Rio Olympics medallist P.V. Sindhu was given a rousing welcome by Vizagites as they thronged the venue on Sunday morning where their favourite sports personality was expected to arrive. Sindhu came well on time and floored everyone with her pleasing smile and a calm confident demeanour, a mark of her growing ambition and determination. Scores of fans took vantage points to click a picture of the ace-shuttler. A team of school students from Pollocks School welcomed her as she stepped in to a city mall. And the 21-year-old didn’t disappoint them. She posed for a couple of quick pictures even as the shutterbugs stood surrounding her and also obliged the children with autographs. For sisters Radhika and Bhumika Joshi of Pollocks School, it was a dream come true to come face-to-face with their favourite sports star. “She is so confident and we just love her for that,” said the sisters with beaming faces. Ch. Nirupama, a student of class 9, was all smiles as she got an autograph from Sindhu.
“I keenly followed her matches in Rio Olympics and since then have read a lot about her and her determination,” she said.
Later, during an interaction with guests and media, Sindhu told the youngsters to stay focussed and make hardwork their mantra. She also underlined the importance of parental support to encourage youngsters in sports. Her father P.V. Ramana told The Hindu that a paradigm shift in the mindset of parents is the need of the hour.
“In India, it is unfortunate that not many parents encourage their children in sports and want their children to be healthy and active. The major thrust is always on academics. Parents don’t realise that once the children take up any sport, they are energetic and active; academic excellence is a by-product of it,” he added.
Sindhu underlines the importance of parental support to encourage youngsters in sports.