Delhi govt mulls roping in Pullela Gopichand to give sports a boost

NEW DELHI: Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today said the Delhi government is planning to rope in 'super coach' Pullela Gopichand, whose protege P V Sindhu bagged a silver medal at the just held Rio Olympics, to promote sports in the national capital as he batted for providing better infrastructure to youths.

Kejriwal felicitated Sindhu and Sakshi Malik, who won a bronze medal for wrestling, along with their coaches and handed 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 of Rs 5 lakh each.

The Delhi government also felicitated Sindhu's physiotherapist besides the Olympic participants who are residents of Delhi. Athlete Lalit Mathur was handed over a cheque of Rs 3 lakh.

"Delhi government is making plans in the field of sports with Gopichand. We will have to encourage youths and provide them infrastructure for excellence.

"I will look forward that you (Gopichand) will now spend more time with Delhi. I can assure you that we have the best of intentions and we need the guidance the way he has guided P V Sindhu," Kejriwal said at the felicitation progamme held at the Delhi Secretariat.

He said it is the responsibility of administration to encourage youths for sports and provide all facilities to them.

"Instead of providing resources to youths, administration often becomes hurdles and we all should remove these hurdles.

"I hope that Delhi government will take steps in this regard ... Sindhu and Malik have raised honour by winning medals at Olympics," the Delhi CM said.

"On the behalf of the people of Delhi, I congratulate you," he added.

Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said when Sindhu and Malik were playing at the Rio Olympic, the entire country was united and watching their matches forgetting all differences.

Earlier this month, the AAP government had also offered promotion to Sakshi's father, Sukhbir Malik, who works as a bus conductor in Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC).