Hyderabad: World Cup medal winning gymnast Budda Aruna Reddy was felicitated by the Sports Authority of Telangana State at a grand function at Lal Bahadur Stadium on Saturday evening.
Speaking on the occasion, Sports Minister T. Padma Rao Goud announced a cash reward of Rs 20 lakh from the State government and also promised help in her future endeavours.
A local real estate firm also pledged a villa worth Rs 50 lakh to the bronze-winning Aruna if she agreed to be their brand ambassador.
“I am overwhelmed by the reception. I thank all the coaches — Swarnalatha madam, Ravinder sir and Brij Kishore sir — for helping me during various stages and shaping up my career,” Aruna said.
“Brij Kishore sir is currently hospitalised with ill-health and I pray that he recovers soon. I want to come back with a medal at the Commonwealth Games for him,” she added.
The 22-year-old dedicated her bronze medal to her late father, who has been instrumental in introducing Aruna to gymnastics. Officials of various sports associations & organisations connected to sport also feted Aruna.
