“It is all because of the God’s grace,” Olympic silver medallist P.V Sindhu said and was also profuse in thanking her coach P. Gopichand at the felicitation programme organised by Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan at the Raj Bhavan here on Monday evening.
Displaying her medal proudly, the champion said it was like a dream come true for her in her brief speech to the gathering. Earlier, the Governor received her in the decorated Darbar Hall when she arrived with her family and her coach and was given a standing ovation. “You have taken the country to somewhere and the nation today feels proud of you,” Mr. Narasimhan said.
Calling her a role model, he pointed out that pure dedication and commitment helped her reach the peak. He also wished the duo should bring more such laurels to the country. Mr. Gopichand recalled the support of the Governor when the academy was being built and said; “I am grateful to you for the confidence that you have reposed in me and the support you have extended at a crucial time.”
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Mr. Narasimhan presented a memento to both Ms. Sindhu, Mr. Gopichand and another player Kidambi Srikanth who accompanied them. A cheque of Rs. 2 lakh was also presented to Gopichand for developing the academy. Governor’s advisors APVN Sarma, A. K Mohanty, Principal Secretary Haripreet Singh, A.P. State Election Commissioner N. Ramesh Kumar and others were present.