Badminton Association of India (BAI) President Dr Akhilesh Das Gupta on Friday announced a reward of Rs 50 lakh for PV Sindhu after she settled for a historic silver medal at the Rio Olympics.
BAI also announced a reward of Rs 10 lakh for Dronacharya awardee coach Pullella Gopichand who trained Sindhu to achieve this feat.
The World No 10 lost to Spain’s Carolina Marin by 21-19, 12-21, 15-21 in the thrilling final match held at Riocentro.
This is India’s first silver medal in Badminton. Saina Nehwal won the first medal – Bronze – for India in badminton in 2012 London Olympics.
Praising Sindhu’s efforts, Dr Das Gupta said:
I congratulate her for this historical achievement and bringing laurels for India. This is a huge milestone in Indian Badminton fraternity and it shows the strength of Indian badminton at the world stage.
Das further added:
This silver medal will surely motivate lakhs of children to take up the sport and inspire them perform above their ability. On behalf of BAI and Indian Badminton fraternity, I am congratulating her again for marvelous achievement.Dr Akhilesh Das, President, BAI
Sindhu’s coach, P Gopichand was also praised by the BAI president.
I also congratulate Coach P Gopichand who again took India to new heights. Padma Bhushan Gopichand brought many laurels in his playing days and now his players are achieving new feats. Indian Badminton fraternity is very lucky to have a coach and mentor like him.Dr Akhilesh Das, President, BAI
Sindhu is the first woman shuttler to reach the finals of Badminton in the Olympics. She became the fourth Indian to win a silver at the Olympics after shooters Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore (2004, Athens) and Vijay Kumar (2012, London), and wrestler Sushil Kumar (2012, London).
The two-time world championship bronze medallist also became the fifth woman player from India to win a medal in Olympics and the first to clinch a silver.
Weightlifter Karnam Malleshwari (2000 Sydney), boxer MC Mary Kom (2012 London), shuttler Saina Nehwal (2012 London) and wrestler Sakshi Malik (2016 Rio) are the other women players from India to have won a medal in Olympics.
(With inputs from PTI.)
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