As Andhra, Telangana debate, coach says Sindhu is Indian

PV Sindhu is being claimed by both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana as their own, but the mentor of Olympic silver medallist, Pullela Gopichand today said that "she belongs" to India.

When a reporter sought Sindhu's views on the bragging rights, Gopichand jumped in to try and put an end to the regional controversy by simply stating, "Well, I can only say she (Sindhu) belongs to India."

Gopichand said it's great that various governments are praising and supporting her.

"We should celebrate the fact that all of them (states) want to be part of the celebration and support us."

Telangana government today accorded a rousing reception and felicitated Sindhu and Gopichand at Gachibowli Stadium after their arrival from Rio.

Andhra Pradesh government also has plans to honour them in a grand way.

At the felicitation event at the stadium, Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mohd. Mahamood Ali described Sindhu as "Telangana's pride", while Home Minister N Narasimha Reddy called her "Telangana Ammayi (girl)".

"Because of our Sidhu, Telangana's name shone in the entire world", Ali said.

Andhra Pradesh government has announced a cash reward of Rs three crore after she won the silver medal at Rio on Saturday. However, within hours Telangana government went a step ahead and decided to reward her with Rs five crore.