PV Sindhu became the first woman ever to win a silver medal for the nation when she won in the women’s badminton singles competition at the Rio Olympics. The Government of Andhra Pradesh were the first ones to come out in support of the silver medalist at the Games. The government have declared a cash prize of 3 crores rupees along with 1000 square yards’ plot in the capital of the state, Hyderabad.
The awards and accolades for the 21-year old did not stop there, the shuttler has also been presented with a BMW from V Chamundeshwarnath, the president of Hyderabad District Badminton Association.
Chamundeshwarnath had previously also gifted a BMW to Saina Nehwal when she won a bronze medal in the 2012 London Olympics. The President had vowed to gift a BMW to Sindhu if she would win a medal.
“Before the Rio Olympics started, I had said that if anyone from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh wins a medal I will gift a BMW. I am glad, I will be presenting one to Sindhu soon,” said Chamundeshwarnath who is also a close friend of Sachin Tendulkar. The cricket legend had handed over the BMW from Chamundeshwarnath to Saina Nehwal in August 2012 and is also likely to hand over one to Sindhu next month.
Whereas, Telangana’s government also announced a cash prize of Rs one crore for Sindhu. It has also been reported that the shuttler will also be gifted a piece of land by the government. The Badminton Association of India was not far behind as it also announced a reward of Rs 50 lakh for Sindhu and Rs 10 lakh for Gopichand.
One surprise association to present the Olympians with a cash prize is The All India Football Federation who have come forward to award Rs 5 lakh each to both Sindhu and wrestler Sakshi Malik.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has also announced a cash reward of Rs 50 lakh for Sindhu, a senior official of the Public Relation department has said. Car-maker, Mahindra and Mahindra are also reported to gift one of their famous SUVs of Sindhu’s choice. Telangana IT Minister K T Rama Rao announced that the government will make all arrangements to give a fitting reception to Sindhu when she returns from Rio.
Arvind Kejriwal’s Delhi government have also announced a cash prize of Rs 1 crore to Olympic bronze-medalist Sakshi Malik, and Rs 2 crore to Olympic silver medallist PV Sindhu. The government further went on to offer a promotion to Sakshi Malik’s father who works in the Delhi Transport Corporation.
This is just the beginning of rewards for the two Indian women who have made the nation proud at the Games.
