Delhi govt mulls roping in Gopichand to give sports a boost

New Delhi, Aug 31 (PTI) Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwaltoday said the Delhi government is planning to rope in ‘supercoach’ Pullela Gopichand, whose protege P V Sindhu bagged asilver medal at the just held Rio Olympics, to promote sportsin the national capital as he batted for providing betterinfrastructure to youths. Kejriwal felicitated Sindhu and Sakshi Malik, who won abronze medal for wrestling, along with their coaches andhanded over to them award cheques of Rs 2 crore and 1 crore,respectively, during an event held at the Delhi Secretariat. Gopichand and Malik’s coach Mandeep were given cheques ofRs 5 lakh each. The Delhi government also felicitated Sindhu’sphysiotherapist besides the Olympic participants who areresidents of Delhi. Athlete Lalit Mathur was handed over acheque of Rs 3 lakh. "Delhi government is making plans in the field of sportswith Gopichand. We will have to encourage youths and providethem infrastructure for excellence. "I will look forward that you (Gopichand) will now spendmore time with Delhi. I can assure you that we have the bestof intentions and we need the guidance the way he has guidedP V Sindhu," Kejriwal said at the felicitation progamme heldat the Delhi Secretariat. He said it is the responsibility of administration toencourage youths for sports and provide all facilities tothem. "Instead of providing resources to youths, administrationoften becomes hurdles and we all should remove these hurdles. "I hope that Delhi government will take steps in thisregard … Sindhu and Malik have raised honour by winningmedals at Olympics," the Delhi CM said. "On the behalf of the people of Delhi, I congratulateyou," he added. Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said when Sindhuand Malik were playing at the Rio Olympic, the entire countrywas united and watching their matches forgetting alldifferences. Earlier this month, the AAP government had also offeredpromotion to Sakshi’s father, Sukhbir Malik, who works as abus conductor in Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC). PTI BUNKIS RGKIS