Not Telangana, Not Andhra, PV Sindhu 'Belongs To India', Says Coach Gopichand
PV Sindhu and Pullela Gopichand were given a grand reception upon their return from Rio Olympics 2016. Sindhu won the women's singles silver medal in the Summer Games
Highlights
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PV Sindhu won the silver medal in badminton women's singles at Rio Games
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Sindhu attributed her success to her coach, Gopichand
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Both Sindhu, Gopichand received a grand welcome after returning to India
Overwhelmed by the reception PV Sindhu received in Hyderabad on Monday, coach Pulella Gopichand said the Rio Olympics silver medallist "belongs to India", after politicians from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh fought for bragging rights over the 21-year-old.
Sindhu's victory was celebrated by the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana on Monday. Sindhu and Gopichand were received at the airport by the shuttler's parents PV Ramana and P. Vijaya. Telangana deputy Chief Minister Mohd Mahmood Ali and other ministers from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh government were also present.
Sindhu and Gopichand were taken in an open-top bus as crowds cheered them along the way. The duo did a lap of honor at the Gachibowli Stadium and then went to Gopichand's academy.
Even as the two states celebrated Sindhu's achievement, Gopichand, a former All-England champion, said his ward "belonged to India" and that she had the potential to do better in the next Games in Tokyo in 2020.
"Sindhu has fantastic genes. She has been consistent with her performance and I had the faith that she would do well when it would be needed," said Gopichand.
"We have not seen the glimpses of what is capable of yet. She has great potential," Gopichand added.
Sindhu attributed her success to her coach, Gopichand.
"Coach supported and motivated me. Parents have sacrificed a lot for me and I am proud to be here," said Sindhu.