Prez Kovind lauds 'India's daughters' success at Gold Coast

Katra (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], Apr 18 (ANI): President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday congratulated India's women brigade for bringing laurels to the country at the prestigious Commonwealth Games (CWG) in Gold Coast, Australia.

From Mary Kom to Saina Nehwal, Kovind lauded tremendous efforts by the "daughters of India" in bringing glory to the country.

"Daughters of India have brought laurels to the country in Commonwealth Games 2018, Manika Batra from Delhi, Mary Kom, Mirabai Chanu and Sangeeta Chanu from Manipur, Manu Bhaker and Vinesh Phogat from Haryana, Saina Nehwal from Telangana and Heena Sidhu from Punjab," the President said.

Ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal, who bagged a gold medal in the women's singles event of the recently-concluded 21st Commonwealth Games, on Tuesday rated the gold medal in mixed-team event of the prestigious quadrennial games as much more special than the individual.

On the last day of the Games, Nehwal defeated her compatriot PV Sindhu by straight games 21-18, 23-21 in a high-octane clash to grab gold medal in the all-Indian finals to clinch gold in the badminton competition.

However, Nehwal had earlier also guided India to their maiden gold in the mixed-team event of the prestigious multi-sport Games.

With a 2-1 lead against Malaysia in the finals of the mixed team event, all eyes were on Nehwal and the experienced shuttler did not disappoint her fans as she bounced back from a game down to clinch a 21-11, 19-21, 21-9 win over Soniia Cheah to seal the deal for India.

The 2018 Commonwealth Games have been India's third most successful CWG of all time. India won a total of 66 medals, which included 26 gold, 20 silver and 20 bronze.

Earlier, India won 101 medals in the Delhi Commonwealth Games 2010 and 69 medals in the 2002 Melbourne Games.

Meanwhile, hosts Australia, and England occupied the top two spots in the medal tally this year with 198 and 136 medals respectively. (ANI)