Dipika Pallikal pledges Rs 2 lakh to Chennai flood relief fund

Dipika Pallikal was playing the Hong Kong Open wheh Chennai was hit by unprecedented rains

It is extremely heartening to see India’s top sports stars coming forward to help people affected by the devastating floods in Tamil Nadu. A couple of days after India’s shuttle queen, Saina Nehwal promised to contribute Rs 2 lakh towards the welfare and rehabilitation of the flood victims, squash star Dipika Pallikal has joined hands to do her bit.

The Commonwealth Games doubles gold medallist, who is herself a Chennai resident, has announced on Sunday that she will be making a contribution of Rs 2 lakh to the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s Public Relief Fund.

The World No. 16 was playing at the Hong Kong Open when her city was struck by the disaster. On her way back from Hong Kong, the 24-year-old could not even land in Chennai and she had to take the flight to Mumbai instead. The former top-10 player talked about how generously the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa has awarded her in the past for her exploits on the squash court and she would definitely like to take this opportunity to revive the city as much as possible.

“I saw the Chennai deluge from Hong Kong. It really pained me to see people suffering with the whole city becoming an island. I couldn’t land in Chennai on my way back and was forced to take the flight to Mumbai last night. I will be back in Chennai as soon as I can,” said the squash queen.

“Chennaites have been strong in the relief operations. The young and old have come together helping everyone in need. I will also help in whatever way I can. The honourable CM has awarded me generously for my gold medal at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games as well as the Asian Games medals and now I would like to do my bit to revive our Chennai. While I will help in relief operations wherever I can, I would like to make a contribution of Rs 2 lakh to the Chief Minister's Public Relief Fund,” added Pallikal.