Sachin presents BMW cars to Olympic heroes

"You have all done the entire country proud. We all know how focussed you were in the run-up to the Olympics and even in Rio," Sachin said at the presentation of BMW cars to athletes - P. V. Sindhu, Sakshi Malik and Dipa Karmakar - and chief national badminton coach, Pullela Gopichand.

Published : Aug 28, 2016 12:27 IST , Hyderabad

Sachin Tendulkar takes a selfie with Dipa Karmakar, Sakshi Malik, P. V. Sindhu and national badminton coach P. Gopichand.
Sachin Tendulkar takes a selfie with Dipa Karmakar, Sakshi Malik, P. V. Sindhu and national badminton coach P. Gopichand.
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Sachin Tendulkar takes a selfie with Dipa Karmakar, Sakshi Malik, P. V. Sindhu and national badminton coach P. Gopichand.

Sachin Tendulkar said the journey to bigger stardom has just begun for India's Rio Olympics medallists -- P.V. Sindhu and Sakshi Malik --and gymnast Dipa Karmakar, who missed a medal by a whisker.

“You have all done the entire country proud. We all know how focussed you were in the run-up to the Olympics and even in Rio,” Sachin said at the presentation of BMW cars to the three athletes and chief national badminton coach, Pullela Gopichand.

“Now is the time to go for gold in the next Olympics and we are all with you to see many more wonderful moments in your career. Keep going and keep winning medals,” Sachin said.

“You are wonderful," said Sachin to Gopichand, "Always showing that urge to produce champions. [You've] shown great qualities as a coach. You're a role model for all and wish you many more laurels. Everyone looked up to you."

Sachin told the athletes that the everyone in the country prayed for them and showered their blessings. “This is what every athlete looks for in their pursuit for excellence.”

Sakshi thanked those who showed their love and affection and promised to go for gold in the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.

“I am grateful to JSW, Railways, Sachin Sir for all their best wishes,” she said. She added that her brother was a big fan of Sachin and they wanted to have a selfie with him.

In a short speech, Dipa thanked everyone for their support and encouragement.

Sindhu recalled Sachin's promise of getting her a second car if she wins an Olympic medal, when he presented her first one.

“My dream has come true and I thank all and especially Gopi Sir,” she said, “Definitely, I will try my best to keep winning laurels at the highest level."

“You have made the entire nation proud with your fantastic efforts and wish you many more successes at the highest level,” said Gopichand, congratulating the athletes.

Gopi, taking a line from the Union Government's 'Save the Girl' campaign, said that it was the girls who made India proud in the Rio Olympics.

The former All England champion also thanked entrepreneur Nimmagadda Prasad for helping him in the construction of his badminton Academy. “Today what I am is to a large extent because of him,” he said.

Gopi said Sachin was a huge source of inspiration and thanked him for the occasion.

He also thanked V. Chamundeswaranath for his initiative in presenting the cars. “He was also instrumental in presenting cars on 13 previous occasions to outstanding sportspersons,” said Gopichand.

“It is not these cars which matter a lot. His small gestures in sponsoring a knee cap or a shuttle racket to the need have always been very encouraging,” he added.

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