Shooter Heena Sidhu and shuttler P. V. Sindhu were among the sportspersons, heading for 2016 Olympic Games, felicitated by legends at the OGQ function.
Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand, hockey Olympian M. M. Somaya and table tennis great Niraj Bajaj greeted the sportspersons with a ceremonial shawl and words of encouragement.
Heena and Sindhu spoke on behalf of the sportspersons. “I have never felt alone from the time my association with OGQ began years ago. Whenever I felt the need for anything concerning shooting, I only had to ask and they would arrange without asking questions about the same,” said Heena. “It feels like I am taking part for the first time. The preparations are on, pressure of expectations is like before, though Rio is my second appearance for India,” she added.
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Sindhu, making her Olympic debut in badminton women’s singles, said: “OGQ started supporting me when I was 14 and nobody in badminton, in terms of ranking or achievement. Now I am 20-years-old and qualified to take part at Rio. The link with OGQ ensured that I do not lack anything by way of timely support.”
Boxer Shiva Thapa, shooter Jitu Rai, Chain Singh, Prakash Nanjappa, Gurpreet Singh, Apurvi Chandela, Ayonika Paul were also present.