Wushu practitioner Surya Bhanu Pratap Singh, who recently won Bronze medal in the Asian Games in Jakarta, Monday advised the youth in Kashmir valley to stop pelting stones and switch over to 'punching'.
"Pathar nahin punch maro. Desh ka naam roshan karo, apne maa baap ka naam roshan karo, is se (read stone pelting) kuch nahin milne wala", this is going to be my message for the youth of Kashmir valley who come on the streets for stone pelting, Bhanu told media persons shortly after DGP State police Dr SP Vaid recommended his name along with the name of Kuldeep Handoo, Chief coach Indian Wushu team, for the post of Deputy Superintendent to the State Government at a felicitation ceremony in Jammu. He also dedicated his victory to the police martyrs and their family members.
In his brief message to the sporting heroes DGP Dr SP Vaid said, " We are very proud of your achievements. It is a moment of pride for all of us and countrymen. On this occasion i will tell both of you to focus on upcoming sporting events such as Olympics. Work hard to win a Gold medal. We are all with you".
Earlier, both these real heroes of State police were accorded red carpet welcome at the Jammu airport by close family members and large number of well wishers.
Traffic outside the airport road remained disrupted for some time as large rush of people greeted their heroes amid drum beats and garlands.
Students belonging to Bhanu's alma matter had assembled outside the airport with placards and posters to welcome their real life hero.
Speaking to The Pioneer Kuldeep Handoo said, "the recent tally of medals in the Asian games has boosted our morale.I will try and rope in more young talent for future championships and hone their skill set ahead of Olympics".
The atmosphere at the residence of bronze medalist was electrifying. Balkar Singh, father of Surya Bhanu Pratap Singh said, "my son has made us all proud by winning Bronze medal in the Asian games in Jakarta". He said, "i was hopeful of better performance but he suffered ligament injury in the quarterfinals and failed to win Gold medal".
Bhanu said, "after i suffered injury my coach asked me whether i would be able to play again and in response i told him,"i would do my best sir". "Despite acute pain i played the match and held on to my nerves than showing my back", he added.