Ethic Foundation fetes Aruna Reddy

Hyderabad: Budda Aruna Reddy was the cynosure of all eyes when she was felicitated in a hotel by Ethic Sports Foundation late Saturday night. For one who has been busy attending such function since landing up in the city, the World Cup bronze winning gymnast looked rather composed despite participating in a similar celebration a couple of hours earlier.

Her exploits not only drew huge applause from the sizeable audience present on the occasion but they also came in for wholesome praise from the speakers lined up for the purpose, including Principal Secretary (IT) Jayesh Ranjan, President of Indian Medical Association (Hyderabad Chapter) Dr Mohan Gupta, philanthropists Dinesh Mansingh and Shatrughan Mansingh, eminent boxing coach Omkarnath Yadav and former cricketer Rajesh Yadav.

Ranjan assured to use his good offices to ensure that the girl would get financial support from Good Samaritans so that she could concentrate on furthering her skills and scale dizzier heights in the future. Dr Gupta pointed out that Aruna was a prime example of how a determined individual can chase and achieve goals while braving odds and financial compulsions.

He said the city girl had suffered several hardships but never gave up hope of joining the illustrious league of achievers. In a befitting recognition of her epoch-making showing, the Foundation presented Aruna Reddy with a cheque for Rs two lakh. Omkarnath Yadav also announced their decision to give a cheque for Rs one lakh to Brij Kishore.

In an emotional thanksgiving, Aruna hailed the role of Ethic Sports Foundation in general and her coach Brij Kishore in particular for being a constant source of encouragement that helped shape her career. Members from Gymnastics Association, coaches, students and fellow-gymnasts and several from the business community of Begum Bazar graced the occasion.