Wide-eyed young table-tennis enthusiasts, learning at the academy run by Amalraj’s family, walked with him

At Pulianthope, on Saturday, the celebration was a flashy affair as people belonging to all communities came together to welcome the hero of their neighbourhood.

The sound of crackers and drumbeats filled the air as Commonwealth Games silver medal-winning paddler A. Amalraj went back home in a chariot.

Despite the fatigue after a long flight, Amalraj didn’t show any hints of discomfort even when his chariot was interrupted every ten metres or so by people, including the elderly, and often stopped to shake hands and receive a shawl or a soft drink.

Speaking to The Hindu, Amalraj said he hoped this success would make the sport popular, particularly in his neighbourhood. “Of course, my next goal is to qualify for the Olympic Games, which I narrowly missed in 2012. Achievements like these have the potential to get many more youngsters interested in the games.”

It was a poignant moment when he garlanded the statue of B.R. Ambedkar, especially after some well-wishers reiterated how Amalraj is an inspiration for the SC/ST community that had been denied opportunities systematically.

Several wide-eyed young table-tennis enthusiasts, learning the ropes at the Amala Annai Table Tennis Academy, which is incidentally run by Amalraj’s family, walked the entire stretch with him.

He arrived at Pulianthope after attending a few felicitation functions, one of which was organised by the Tamil Nadu SC/ST Officers Welfare Association, en route from the airport. A well-wisher, summing up his feelings on Amalraj’s success at the international stage, said, “He is a great inspiration for the entire community. With his success, he has made the entire community proud.”

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Chennai / by Udhav Naig / Chennai – August 10th, 2014