Hyderabad welcomes Queen Aruna

Hyderabad: It was an emotional home-coming for Budda Aruna Reddy on her return to the city. On hand at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Shamshabad were a host of well-wishers, senior officials and administrators and several admirers, among others.

They included Sports Authority of Telangana State (SATS) Chairman A Venkateshwar Reddy, General Secretary of Olympic Association of Telangana, Dr SR Prem Raj, Treasurer K Pani Rao, General Secretary of Gymnastic Association of Telangana, K Maheshwar Rao, Ravinder Reddy, Stadium Administrator, KVBR Harnath, among others,

However, the most emotional scene was when Aruna met her elder sister Pavani and both into an animated discussion. Aruna was returning after making history while winning a bronze medal in the Vault event in the Gymnastic World Cup at Melbourne. It was the first by any Indian in the sport’s coveted championship,

Venkateshwar Reddy set the ball rolling when he describer achievement as ‘extraordinary, path-breaking and iconic inspiration for the budding gymnasts.’ He explained how the young girl had managed to survive several odds to stay afloat. It was sheer determination that held in good stead.

Reddy added that the Authority would go all-out to ensure that she gets all infrastructure facilities so that she can realize her Olympic dreams. Her sibling Pavani, overcome with emotion, said it was all possible because of the encouragement and support extended by their late father. 

‘We all are overwhelmed at her exploits,’ she said while hoping that she would generate a turnaround so that more and more girls take to gymnastics. Satish Reddy, the replacement for her regular coach, hailed her achievement and said that she was a good learner and that was her biggest asset. However, the star attraction was lost for words but assured to go for bigger milestones.