Date:24/09/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/24/stories/2008092451692000.htm

Sport - Sports : General

Sushil Kumar gets a standing ovation at felicitation function

Principal Correspondent

— PHOTO: K. PICHUMANI

CENTRE OF ATTRACTION: Sushil Kumar receiving the cheque from W.I. Davaram (left) and M.V.M. Muthuramalingam.

CHENNAI: The entire student community of Velammal MHSS gave a standing ovation to wrestler Sushil Kumar, bronze medallist in the Beijing Olympics, at a felicitation function here on Tuesday.

After the formalities were over at the School premises in Mogappair, Sushil patiently answered questions — some banal, some interesting — from the students.

“I dedicate this medal to my coach, my father, the entire village (Baprola in Najafgarh suburb in Delhi) and my country,” said Sushil, speaking in Hindi.

Training hard

Sushil said he was training hard for the Commonwealth Games in 2010 and the London Olympics in 2012.

About visiting Chennai despite a crowded programme, Sushil said: “Yes, I had a busy schedule. But, once the school authorities told me that I would interact with the students, I cancelled all other engagements,” said Sushil, who received Rs. five lakh from the school management.

M.V.M. Muthuramalingam, Chairman, Velammal Educational Trust, exhorted the students to work hard and follow Sushil’s example.

Role model

“He had to struggle for his bread and butter having come from a humble background. If he can do it, so can you,” Muthuramalingam said.

M.V.M. Velmurugan, CEO, Velammal Educational Trust, Olympian V. Baskaran, W.I. Davaram, President, Tamil Nadu Athletic Association, and R. Arumugam, President, Chennai District Athletic Association, were the others who spoke on the occasion.