FELICITATIONS TO OLYMPIC SILVER MEDALLIST

Aug. 22

Olympic silver medallist  Ms PV Sindhu, who arrived with her family members to the Raj Bhavan for a spirited felicitation by the couple of Governor Sri E.S.L. Narasimhan had a pleasant evening with the entire staff of the Governor's Secretariat and their family members.

The elegant Darbar Hall is tastefully decorated to extend a warm welcome to Sindhu, who emerged victorious at the world prestigious Olympic games. As she entered the Raj Bhavan along with her coach, Mr. Pullela Gopichand, the Governor couple gave a warm reception and accompanied them to the Darbar Hall where they are given a standing ovation by the staff members and their families.

Showering praises on Sindhu and Gopichand, the Governor told the selective gathering that the four powers -- mother, father, guru and the Almighty -- helped her to take the nation to the heights. "You have taken the country to somewhere and the nation today feels proud of you," the Governor, who looked throughout very jubilant, said.  He felt that pure dedication and commitment helped her reach the peak.

Terming Sindhu as a role model for future generations, the Governor said that she is now identified with the nation. Quoting the most popular poet Robert Frost, the Governor said "the woods are lovely, dark and deep, but you have many miles to go before you sleep," he said and wished that the Sindhu and the Gopichand duo should win more such laurels to the country.

the Governor  felt that Gopichand knows astrological predictions as "he has told me when he met earlier that Sindhu will win medal in Olympics." The Governor said that he had watched the match throughout sitting in front of the TV set and this morning too he watched the rousing reception given to her. "I was sitting before the TV set watching till the press meet is over," the Governor stated.

Responding to the felicitations, Sindhu in her brief speech said that it was her dream come true. Displaying the silver medal that she had won, she credited her victory to the Almighty. "It is all because of the God's grace," she said and profusely thanked her coach.

Reciprocating to the felicitations, Gopichand thanked the help that the Governor had extended during a crucial time when he was setting up the academy. He even recalled that the Governor graced the inaugural function of the academy. "I am grateful to you for the confidence that you have reposed in me and the support you have given," Gopichand said.

The entire Sindhu parivaar spent over an hour in a friendly environs with the selective gathering of about 200 persons, all the staff members and members of their families. The Governor presented a  memento to both Sindhu and Gopichand and Kidambi Srikanth who accompanied them.  The Governor also presented a  cheque of Rs 2 lakh to Gopichand for developing the academy.

"This only like a squirrel helping Lord Rama during the building of the bridge to Lanka. It may not be a big amount but come from my heart," the Governor said rather emotionally.

Governor's advisors  Mr APVN Sarma and Mr AK Mahanty, Principal Secretary Mr. Haripreet Singh, former special chief secretary and State Election Commissioner Drm  N. Ramesh Kumar and all other staff members and their families presented bouquets to Sindhu and Gopichand.

-Press note