Barbil: Babulu Munda, the Silver Medalist at the recently concluded 7th World Wushu Championship held at Brazil, received a rousing welcome upon his arrival here in Barbil on Saturday.
Hundreds of fans of the tribal boy including senior officials of Jindal Steel and Power Ltd. (JSPL), students, govt 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 Shri Suresha G, Unit Head, JSPL Barbil said, “We are extremely delighted that Babulu has brought laurels not only for Barbil but for Odisha as well by clinching Silver in the World C’ship. In the coming days, 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.
As Babulu was passing the houses, locals performed puja and did aarti by smearing vermilion on his forehead. Before Babulu reached his primary school where a welcome ceremony was organised, 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 at Govt. Nodal UP School under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan.
Chairman JSPL Shri Naveen Jindal and Co-Chairperson of JSPL Foundation Smt Shallu Jindal have congratulated Babulu Munda for the glory he brought to Odisha and India.
Among others Shri Khirod Behera, Tahsildar, Barbil; Shri Arun Mallick, BDO, Joda; Shri Dillip Mishra, Chairman, Barbil Municipality; coach Shri Pankaj Kumar Mohanta, Shri Mangal Munda, Sarpanch, Deojhar GP; Shri Judhisthir Palei, Samiti Member; Shri Ramesh Nayak, Sarpanch, Birkala and members of Barbil youth club were present on the occasion.
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