AP cosies up to Sindhu; offers Rs 3 crore, housing site

Vijayawada, Aug 23 (PTI) Olympic medalist P V Sindhu wasaccorded a civic reception here today by the Andhra Pradeshgovernment even as she grew nostalgic about the first stepsshe took as a badminton player in the city. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu felicitated Sindhu andher coach Pullela Gopichand. He announced a 15-acre site forGopichand in the proposed Sports City in the state’s capitalAmaravati for setting up a badminton academy. As the Telangana government sought to "own" the Olympicssilver medalist as "daughter of our soil", Chandrababu and hisgovernment took pains to proclaim that the champion indeedbelonged to Andhra Pradesh. "Her father is from Eluru and mother from Vijayawada.Both were volleyball players and the credit goes to them forencouraging and nurturing Sindhu to become what she is today,"Chandrababu said, repeatedly referring to her as "mana ammai"(our daughter). On her part, while thanking the AP government for thehonour, Sindhu recalled her visits to the city as a child. "I used to come to Vijayawada to my grandfather’s houseand play shuttle at the indoor stadium here," she said. "Thanks to your blessings and prayers, I have come thisfar. My parents and coach encouraged me very well. As a kid Iused to watch Gopi sir play and got inspired," she added. Chandrababu played badminton with Sindhu on the dais atthe start of the event. Calling Sindhu "a diamond" who has rewritten the historyof Indian sports, Chandrababu promised to nurture her furtherto make her the pride of India. He also expressed his desire to host the Olympics inAmaravati in the future. "Olympic games should come to India and that will inspireour sportspersons. We are inferior to none. We have a lot oftalent better than China or Russia. The AP government wouldbuild necessary infrastructure in Amaravati for hosting theOlympics. It is not difficult," he said. "You (Gopichand) set up a world class academy inAmaravati. We will get funds from donors, if not, thegovernment will release necessary grants," the Chief Ministersaid. The Andhra University also announced to award a honorarydoctorate on the young Olympian’s coach. (MORE) PTI DBV DKSRY