Mandeep gets a golden welcome

LUDHIANA: At Chakar village, it was a festive Tuesday: Mandeep Kaur Sandhu's return from her gold medal triumph at the World Junior Boxing Championship (Women) at Taipei, Tiwan, had all the right ingredients confetti showers, eagerly awaiting villagers who had just heard of the girl with the "golden punch", and children with welcome cards.
Since the morning, the entire village from elders to youngsters and even small kids had been eagerly awaiting its new hero.And, her welcome was truly vibrant: From confetti to flowers and dhol to bhangra, every possible effort was made to make Mandeep feel special and honored.
From Jagraon to Chakar, Mandeep was honoured by panchayats and schools on five occasions.
Prior to this, Mandeep was given a warm welcome by deputy commissioner Rajat Agarwal, Jagraon MLA SR Kler, Jagraon SDM Rakesh Kumar Popli,, education officer (secondary) Paramjit Kaur Chahal, and district sports officers Mohinder Singh. Nearly 200 schoolchildren and 50 residents of Chakar were also present at the mini-secretariat to welcome Mandeep
As soon as Mandeep entered the village, people started gathering at the entrance to meet her and to convey their wished to her. At Mandeep's school, Government Senior Secondary School, Chakar, students had prepared a welcome rangoli and were standing on the either sides of the road with petals, flags and welcome cards.
Mandeep also went to the local gurdwara and was honoured by its committee. She then took a round of the village and visited the place where it all started, Sher-e-Punjab Sports Academy, and attended a felicitation function there.
Mandeep also went to her boxing ring and practised a few punches with her coach. "The warm welcome has touched my heart. They all are happy and overjoyed for my achievement. They have made so many efforts for me and it feels great," she said.
The excitement level of Mandeep's arrival could be gauged from the frantic activity seen before she even reached the village. Her cousin left her exam halfway to meet Mandeep. "Today was my final exam of art and monument, under MA-history. Because of excitement and eagerness to meet Mandeep, I left my exam before the time it had to finish," said Parminder Kaur, Mandeep's cousin.