By IANS,
Hyderabad: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K. Rosaiah Wednesday announced a cash award of Rs.25 lakh to badminton champion Saina Nehwal for winning three international titles in a row and being ranked world number three.
Rosaiah announced the award when Saina called on him at his camp office here this evening.
“You have done a great job. The country, particularly Andhra Pradesh, is proud of you. All my best wishes and greetings to you,” the chief minister told the champion.
Rosaiah, who presented a bouquet and a shawl to Saina, said he is sure that she will become world’s number one player in the near future. He described Saina as a role model for upcoming young players.
Saina, who returned to the country Tuesday, was accompanied by her coach Pullela Gopichand, her father and sister.
Saina won the Indonesian Open Super Series Sunday to make a hat-trick of badminton titles in three weeks. She earlier won the Indian Open Grand Prix and the Singapore Open Super Series to move up to the third position in world rankings.
The Haryana Badminton Association Tuesday announced a cash award of Rs.5 lakh for Hisar-born Saina while Andhra Pradesh Badminton Association presented her a cheque of Rs.1 lakh.