It could have been a scene that is normally reserved only for movie stars or politicians. The gathering at the Velammal School, were in raptures when the heroes of the day said Vanakkam. The protagonists, of course, were our champion grapplers who did the nation proud at the London Olympics, Sushil Kumar and Yogeshwar Dutt, and their coach Yashwir Singh.
The wrestlers and the coach, arrived in the school – where they were felicitated – in style, and how: a horse carriage to carry them in as strains of the nadaswaram and thavil resonated in the background. For Sushil Kumar, though, this was his second visit to the school, his first being after winning the bronze at the Beijing Olympics.
“I may have received many cash and other prizes, but the welcome here is indeed special. Please pray for us so that we return with at least four medals next time,” said Kumar. Dutt added, “Hard work is a prerequisite to fulfill one’s ambitions. Both of us had worked hard to win the medals. Face your problems boldly as success is there for the taking. Respect your teacher just as we worship our coach.”
Addressing the gathering, Singh expressed happiness for the opportunity to stand before the students and said: “Sushil and Yogeshwar were kids when they came to me; they had dreams. Yogeshwar may have failed the last time but he worked very hard to train for the quadrennial event. Consider them your role models and you too can realise your dreams.”
School chairman M V Muthuramalingam addressed,“When I had asked Sushil to come to our school doosri bar (for the second time), he added that he will make it a teesra (third time),” hinting at a rich medal harvest at the upcoming Rio de Janeiro Olympics.
Kumar was presented with a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh, while Dutt and Singh were given Rs 5 lakh. The wrestlers also honoured student achievers of the school – in academics and sporting events.
Comments
0 comment