Wushu medalist gets rousing welcome

Babulu Munda, the Silver medalist at the recently concluded 7th World Wushu Championship held at Brazil, received a rousing welcome upon his arrival here on Saturday.

Hundreds of fans of the tribal boy including senior officials of Jindal Steel and Power Ltd. (JSPL), students, officials, players and local leaders gathered outside the railway station from early morning to welcome the 13-year- old.

This is the first time that a boy from Barbil represented India in the international level and won medal.

On the occasion JSPL Barbil Unit Head Suresha G said, “We are extremely delighted that Babulu has brought laurels not only for Barbil but for Odisha by clinching a Silver. In the coming days, the JSPL Foundation will continue to extend support to nurture the tribal sports talents in the region to shine in the national and global forums.”

After the grand felicitation programme at the railway station, amidst blowing of conch shells and traditional drum beats, Munda was taken in a procession in Barbil town. Residents and passersby were seen throwing flowers at him for this victory and future endeavours.

The locals had arranged a small puja at Bileipada square. The teachers at the school where Babulu started his primary education lauded his efforts and blessed him. Currently, Babulu is studying in 8th std.

Chairman JSPL Naveen Jindal and co-chairperson Shallu Jindal congratulated Babulu for the glory he brought to Odisha and India.