As AP, Telangana debate, coach says Sindhu is Indian

Hyderabad, Aug 22 (PTI) PV Sindhu is being claimed byboth Andhra Pradesh and Telangana as their own, but theOlympic silver medallist’s mentor Pullela Gopichand today saidthat "she belongs" to India. When a reporter sought Sindhu’s views on the braggingrights, Gopichand jumped in to try and put an end to theregional controversy by simply stating, "Well, I can only sayshe (Sindhu) belongs to India." Gopichand said it’s great that various governments arepraising and supporting her. "We should celebrate the fact that all of them (states)want to be part of the celebration and support us." Telangana government today accorded a rousing receptionand felicitated Sindhu and Gopichand at Gachibowli Stadiumafter their arrival from Rio. Andhra Pradesh government also has plans to honour themin a grand way. Significantly, when Sindhu and Gopichand landed at theRajiv Gandhi International airport, some ministers from bothTelangana and Andhra Pradesh were present to welcome her. At the felicitation event at the stadium, TelanganaDeputy Chief Minister Mohd. Mahamood Ali described Sindhu as"Telangana’s pride", while Home Minister N Narasimha Reddycalled her "Telangana Ammayi (girl)". "Because of our Sidhu, Telangana’s name shone in theentire world", Ali said. Andhra Pradesh government had announced a cash reward ofRs three crore after she won the silver medal at Rio onSaturday. However, within hours Telangana government went astep ahead and decided to give her Rs five crore. PTI VVK RSDK AHSSC