“The best is yet to come from you. I am sure that you, along with the other 2012 London Olympic medallists, will bring many more smiles across the country and keep the tri-colour flying in the days to come,” remarked batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar. At a function to present a BMW car to London Olympics bronze medallist Saina Nehwal on Sunday, he said: There are many who play much better in practice sessions. But, only champions come up with special performances in major events. This is what makes Saina special. “I feel you are happy but not satisfied. The beauty of a champion is not to get carried away by success. Even after winning the Olympic medal you are very modest,” he remarked.
Sachin also congratulated all the Olympic medallists. “I am sure that somewhere in India they will be hearing my voice. I congratulate them from the bottom of my heart,” he said. Saina said that she felt honoured to be in the presence of Sachin. “I am really nervous and can’t speak much. For, the ‘God of Cricket’ is here. This is a great inspiration for me,” she said.
Former Andhra Ranji captain V. Chamundeswaranath and his friends were also instrumental in presenting a Hyundai car to Pullela Gopi Chand and a Maruti Swift car to Asian under-19 badminton champion P. V. Sindhu. “The Olympic medal means a lot of dedication, hard work and vision. I should congratulate Saina’s father (Dr. Harvir Singh) who keeps sending me congratulatory messages every time I do well. This is a terrific achievement by her and you are greatly responsible for this along with Gopi,” Sachin said.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Your presence means a lot to us,” Gopi said as he thanked everyone who supported his dream.