Sindhu arrives in Hyderabad to rousing reception

If you were an alien who’d just arrived on earth and checked out PV Sindhu’s victory parade you’d be mistaken for thinking that Mohammad Mahmood Ali, deputy CM of Telangana had won the medal instead of Sindhu. You should give your best shot.

Government has announced Rs 5 crore cash reward to Sindhu, a 1,000 square yard housing site near the Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy in Gachibowli and suitable government job, if she is willing. Her favourite foods, chocolates and Hyderabadi biryani, have been banned by her strict coach who strictly keeps an eye on her meals, sleeping pattern as well as training. “Everybody who loses becomes thrown away and everybody who wins becomes super hero”, he said.

Success has many fathers, failure is an orphan. The kind of sacrifices she has made without complaining is fantastic. Gopichand himself is one of the most respected figures in Indian sports fraternity and the statement is shocking. But chief national coach Pullela Gopichand was already in his lair. Palms and privileges await the latest badminton sensation from Hyderabad to Visakhapatnam to Vijaywada corporates, businessmen and jewelry showrooms gearing up to shower their appreciation for her in cash and gifts.

Before Sindhu, of course, Gopichand’s most famous protégé was Saina Nehwal, till they famously parted ways after the London 2012 Olympics.

Also read: How long will India be satisfied with so few medals in Olympics? My aim was to play well and give my 100 percent.

“She has done us all proud by the kind of the effort she’s put in”. Even Jwala Gutta, Srikanth Kidambi trains in his Hyderabad academy.

Another Rs 50 lakh was awarded to the young champion by the Badminton Association of India. But as far as BAI is concerned, there is no one with better credentials than Gopi to occupy that position. We thought she would win the gold. But Ali’s comment typifies the Indian mindset of ghar ki murgi, dal barabar. “Hopefully she will come back stronger the next time”. “Things like grooming at grass-roots level and physical literacy also need focus”.

“Our Telangana daughter has earned a name in the entire world”.