AP govt. announces Rs 2.5m for Gopi

Syed Amin Jafri in Hyderabad

The Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly on Monday congratulated Pulella Gopichand on his triumph in the All England badminton championships, in Birmingham, on Sunday.

The 27-year-old India No. 1 became only the second Indian after Prakash Padukone in 1980 to win the prestigious title.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, while moving a resolution to laud the "Telugu bidda" [son] for bringing honour to the state, announced a cash award of Rs 2.5 million.

He said the State Assembly would urge the President of India to nominate the sports persons who excel in international events to the Rajya Sabha.

Naidu told the Assembly that Gopichand, before leaving for England, had expressed confidence that he would win the championship and return triumphantly. "True to his resolve, Gopichand kept his word and brought laurels to Andhra Pradesh and India," he said.

Recalling the humble origins of Gopichand, who hails from Prakasam district in the state, the Chief Minister said the badminton player worked for the APSRTC for a while before joining Indian Oil Corporation.

Naidu also complimented the player's Hyderabadi coach K Mohammad Arif and the AP Badminton Academy for their encouragement to the player.

The Chief Minister said the Andhra Pradesh government's decision to award Gopichand Rs 2.5 million is in line with its new sports policy to recognise exceptional performance.

He also offered land and assistance for setting up a world-class badminton academy in Hyderabad, saying the state has already set up 13 specialised academies for various disciplines in the city and district towns to impart intensive coaching.

In Delhi, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee congratulated Gopichand on his victory.

"The whole country was eager to hear some good news from the field of sports," Vajpayee told the House.

"Now they have got this news (Gopichand's victory)... I congratulate him on behalf of the whole House," he said.

Sports Minister Uma Bharti also lauded the efforts of Gopichand.

"It is a great day for Indian badminton... It is a fully deserving victory," the minister said in a statement.

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