Whole India might be celebrating Hyderabadi badminton player PV Sinhu's entry into the women's singles final at Rio 2016 Olympics and her international recognition, but not many are aware that AP CM Chandrababu Naidu had played a secret role in her victory, albeit indirectly. When Naidu was the CM of the undivided state, he had supported, encouraged sports especially badminton to the hilt.
Naidu had allotted land to Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy and which became reality in 2006. Corroborating the same, Naidu told media, "My Encouragement to Gopichand has earned Olympics medal for India today. If we encourage sports, wonderful players will be made."
There's no denying that Sindhu has done exceptional hard work in reaching this stage and her coach Pullela Gopichand has played significant role in making a champion out of Sindhu, but Naidu too is indirectly responsible for what Indian badminton, its players are achieving. Some of the notable players produced or groomed by Gopichand's Badminton Academy are Saina Nehwal, Srikanth Kidambi, Parupalli Kashyap, Prannoy Kumar, Gurusai Datt, Arundhati Pantawane, Arun Vishnu and Gadde Ruthvika Shivani.
Chandrababu Naidu has been a great supporter of sports. His tenure witnessed two of the biggest world-class sports events - 32nd National Games and 2003 Afro-Asian Games which were conducted successfully. Even not long ago when he had attended Pro Kabaddi League, he announced that it's his goal to bring Olympics to AP's new capital Amaravati.
Looks like, Babu's vision for sports, games and his acts are now delivering its fruits now.