Gohana (Sonipat), August 27: Lauding Haryana government for supporting its sportspersons in the best possible way, Olympic bronze medallist Saina Nehwal said on Sunday that India can win at least 25 to 30 medals by next Olympics if other states start following the Haryana sports model.
Saina was speaking during a function organized to honour and reward the state's 19 Olympians, including the medal winners.
"Haryana government provided good facilities to its athletes to prepare for the London Olympics. If other states can follow Haryana's footsteps, I think we can win 25 to 30 medals at Rio in 2016," said Saina.
Amid mild rains on a cloudy Sunday, it was cash, land, luxury cars, LED, handicams, mobile phones, pats and congratulations that were showered on the players.
The sports enthusiasts thronged to have a glimpse of their sporting icons, who felt overwhelmed by the welcome.
Though the people were gracious enough to welcome each player, the loud cheers and thumping applause were reserved for the local hero bronze medallist Yogeshwar Dutt and his close friend silver medallist Sushil Kumar.
And the players too did not disappoint their fans. They extended warm hugs, shook hands, got their photographs clicked and gave autographs to the youngsters.
The boxers, including Vijender Kumar, Manoj Kumar and young Sumit Sangwan, were also thronged by the youngsters.
As the security personnel tried to ward off the youths who got close to Sushil while clicking photographs with his Audi, the grappler asked the staff not to do so stating that these boys are the future stars of the country who would bring adulations.
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