New Delhi: Badminton coach Pullela Gopichand on Monday thanked Sakshi Malik and PV Sindhu – India's two medalists at Rio Olympics 2016 - for saving the country's respect.


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Gopichand was speaking at Gachibowli stadium in Hyderabad, where he was felicitated by the Telangana government along with Sindhu, who created history at the mega event with her silver medal.


"Hats off to the women for saving our respect in front of the whole world. Thanks to the governemnt for the financial supports. It will inspire use to continue playing the sport at the highest level," he said.


Sindhu also thanked her parents, state government and Gopichand for her historic feat.


Gopichand and Sindhu landed to at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at Shamshabad on the outskirts to a rousing reception.


The duo was welcomed by Sindhu's parents - P V Ramana and P Vijaya - alongside Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mohd Mahmood Ali with some ministers from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh government.


Sindhu and Gopi later left for Gachibowli stadium in an open top bus.


Notably, Sindhu became the first Indian shuttler to bag a silver medal at the quadrennial event after she ended up being the runner up in women's singles final event.