Weightlifter Muthupandian Gets Hero's Welcome at Thoothukudi

Thoothukudi: Commonwealth Games silver medallist weightlifter Raja Muthupandian was accorded a warm welcome at Thoothukudi airport on Wednesday on his return to his home district.

Muthupandian, a native of Sankaralingapuram near Kovilpatti, won the silver medal in the 65 kg category representing India at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay have congratulated him on the achievement.

After meeting the Prime Minister in Delhi and receiving his appreciation, Muthupandian flew from Chennai to Thoothukudi before proceeding to his native village. His father Muthupandian, officials of the Thoothukudi district weightlifting association, coaches and fellow weightlifters welcomed him with garlands, shawls and sweets.

Later speaking to reporters, Muthupandian said he dedicated his medal to his parents, remembering how their sacrifices and hardships had been instrumental in his success. He also thanked his coaches, the Tamil Nadu Sports Development Authority, the Tamil Nadu Weightlifting Association and the Thoothukudi district association for their support.

Stating that Chief Minister Joseph Vijay had felicitated him and provided an incentive, while the Prime Minister had hosted the medallists and advised them to work towards producing more talented weightlifters.

Muthupandian, who has been training in weightlifting since the age of 13, urged youngsters to take up sports to stay away from substance abuse. He appealed to parents to encourage their children to participate in sports and said an international-standard weightlifting training facility at Sankaralingapuram would help nurture more young talent from the region.

Stating that his Commonwealth silver was only the beginning, Muthupandian said his ambition was to win medals for India at the Asian Games in Japan and the Olympic Games in the United States.