Rio heroes PV Sindhu, Sakshi Malik receive 'Mahindra Thar' from M&M

Mumbai, Sep 8: Leading SUV manufacturer Mahindra and Mahindra (M&M) on Thursday (Sep 8) felicitated India's Rio Olympics women medallists - shuttler PV Sindhu and wrestler Sakshi Malik - by gifting them its true blue 4X4 off-roader, the 'Thar'.

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Pawan Goenka, Executive Director, M&M, handed over the keys of the 'Mahindra Thar' to the two sportspersons at a felicitation ceremony held at the company's manufacturing plant in Kandivali here, said a media release.

Both Sindhu, who won the silver medal in badminton women's singles, and Sakshi, who bagged the bronze in 58kg weight class, received the honour for their performances at the just concluded Games.

"It is my pleasure to felicitate Sindhu and Sakshi with the Mahindra Thar as they put India on the global map with their historic victory. Today, they have become role models for the youth in India who wants to excel not just in sports but in any arena," said Goenka at the function.

"Fighting all odds to come out on top, they symbolise the go anywhere spirit of the Thar and hence it is an ideal vehicle for our Olympic stars to make a personalised statement," he added.

"I am thankful to Mahindra for recognising my efforts and encouraging me to excel in future matches. The Thar is an iconic off-roader and I am looking forward to owning and driving this stylish off-roader," said the Hyderabad-based Sindhu.

"I am very pleased to own the Thar and would especially like to thank Mr Mahindra (Anand Mahindra, M&M's Managing Director) for this very special gesture and the #TharForSakshi Twitter Campaign, which received overwhelming support," said Sakshi, who hails from Rohtak, Haryana.

PTI