The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Sania, Gopi to promote tourism

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Jul 12, 2005

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Sania, Gopi to promote tourism

V. V. Subrahmanyam

The two sportspersons very much thrilled to be State ambassadors

BIG OCCASION: The Minister for Tourism and Sugar, J. Geeta Reddy, with Sania Mirza and Pullela Gopi Chand in Hyderabad on Monday. — Photo: P.V. Sivakumar

HYDERABAD: Two of the State's most familiar sportspersons - former All England champion Pullela Gopi Chand and tennis sensation Sania Mirza - will be brand ambassadors of Andhra Pradesh Tourism.

The Tourism Minister, J. Geetha Reddy, decided to capitalise the duo's name and fame, and present to the world the wonders of Andhra Pradesh.

"It is an honour to be named an ambassador for AP Tourism. I have been doing this job unofficially over the years for I always felt that Andhra Pradesh is a unique window to the world of tourism," said Gopi Chand.

"The State's rich culture and hospitality are very close to my heart. It is a matter of pride to further the cause and support the Government's efforts," he explained.

"In fact, the organisers of the Junior Asian Badminton Confederation Championship in Jakarta later this month have accepted my proposal to set up a tourism stall at the venue," he said.

Sania-speak

Sania too feels privileged. "I always take immense pride in being a Hyderabadi. I am indebted to the State Government but for whom I would not have been what I am today. The rapid growth of Andhra Pradesh should in itself make the State a preferred tourist spot. We know that tourists find it hard to finalise their destinations. We will try to ensure that Andhra Pradesh emerges the winner from this dilemma," she explained.

The Minister thanked Sania for rescheduling her promotional campaign for Karnataka, to be present in Hyderabad.

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