SANGUEM
It was a hero’s welcome for Special Olympics gold medallist Siya Sarode and National Games gold medallist Babu Gaonkar, both hailing from Sanguem, as they were felicitated in a motor rally on Monday.
The rally, which was flagged off by Social Welfare Minister and Sanguem MLA Subhash Phaldessai, began from Rivona and passed through Molcornem, Sanguem, Bhati, Uguem, Villian and Netravali.
Speaking at Sanguem Bus Stand, Phaldessai complimented Babu and Siya for their heroic performances and assured them all his support in their future assignments. “We are all proud of you for making Sanguem and our State proud,” said Phaldessai.
The rally was attended by a large number of people, particularly youngsters, and the golden duo were welcomed at important junctions of every village by bursting firecrackers.
While Siya Sarode had brought laurels to the country by winning four medals, including two gold medals, at the recent Special Olympics Games in Berlin, Germany, Babu Gaonkar had won Goa’s first gold medal at the ongoing National Games in modern pentathlon.
Siya's achievements were also highlighted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Mann Ki Baat programme, where he made a special mention of the Goan special athlete.
At the Sanguem Bus Stand, Sanguem Municipal Council Chairperson Priti Naik, Vice Chairperson Queroz Cruz and councillors garlanded the medallists. Former SMC chairperson Sanjay Raikar also lauded the achievements of Babu and Sarode. The rally culminated at Netravali village, the native village of Babu Gaonkar.
