Harpal Singh Bedi
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said, “I congratulate Bapi on his achievement at the Asian level. He is an inspiring example for other athletes. Inspite of lot of challenges in his personal life, Bapi has been able to achieve this feat. I wish Bapi, the coaches and the entire team of the Odisha Reliance Foundation HPC the very best. I am happy that our investment in sports ecosystem has started showing results”
Speaking about Bapi’s race in Tashkent, an elated Head Coach of the Odisha Reliance HPC Martin Owens said, “Bapi ran a brave race. He was a bit nervous before the race because he had finished third yesterday in the heats due to which he was assigned lane 8. I call it a gutsy effort by him today because he was almost running blind in lane 8, he was a little behind midway but made a brilliant finish. Considering this is only his 5th attempt in the 400m hurdles, it is a fantastic achievement and the lad has clocked his personal best.”
The Head Coach is optimistic about Bapi’s prospects in the upcoming events too. He will next be vying for honours in the Commonwealth Championships in August. “We will be looking at taking him for the Commonwealth Championships in August and then prepare for the Junior World Championships next year. This kid has a lot of potential,” added Martin.
Chief Minister Patnaik had recently felicitated Bapi Hansda with a cash award of Rs 25 Lakhs for his feet at the Nationals.
