‘He stole my heart yet again’ – Pramod Bhagat short of words as he receives ‘wonderful gift’ from his idol Sachin Tendulkar

‘He stole my heart yet again’ – Pramod Bhagat short of words as he receives ‘wonderful gift’ from his idol Sachin Tendulkar

Pramod Bhagat

The Tokyo Paralympics have been written in the history books, as the nation sent its largest contingent to Japan. The results were phenomenal as the contingent produced its largest ever medal tally, collecting a total of 19 medals. As para-badminton made its debut at the Paralympics, Pramod Bhagat clinched the gold medal in the men’s SL3 category, winning the first of the 4 medals in the event.

Receiving a grand welcome after reaching India, the fanfare surrounding the athletes was well deserved. Bhagat, who hails from Odisha was given a hero’s welcome by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik after landing in the state on Friday. Hundreds of supporters showed their support as the ace badminton player landed amid the celebration of dhol Tasha sounded in the background.

Sachin Tendulkar comes up with a sweet gesture for Pramod Bhagat

Pramod Bhagat
Pramod

Legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, who has inspired numerous Indian athletes, is Pramod Bhagat’s idol. Following his win, Sachin tweeted congratulating India’s first Paralympic champion in para badminton. The ace cricketer went a step further and gifted Bhagat his jersey, the one he adorned in his 200th Test match for India.

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“My adrenaline was running high while opening this gift sent to me by my idol @sachin_rt , he stole my heart yet again by gifting me the Jersey worn by him in his 200th Test match for India, words are falling short. Thank you Sir Sachin Tendulkar for this wonderful gift,” Bhagat wrote.

The shirt also bore a message from the Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar. “Dear Pramod. the entire nation is proud of you. Keep shinning,” the message read. The World number 1 Pramod toppled Great Britain’s Daniel Bethell in straight sets of 21-14and 21-17 to clinch the gold medal.

Also read: Tokyo Paralympics 2020: Avani Lekhara rewrites Paralympic record to clinch India’s first gold medal