Preejas family elated at her moment of glory

PALAKKAD: The news of ace athlete Preeja Sreedharan being bestowed with the Arjuna Award was welcomed by her family with immense joy at the Railway Colony in Olavakkode.“We learnt about the award on the afternoon bulletin.Since then, calls have been pouring in congratulating Preeja for the honour.And, of course, we are very happy” Preeja’s mother Ramani Sreedharan said.Ramani said that Ranendran P R, who coached Preeja during her school days, was the first to call and congratulate her.Preeja had stayed in Ranendran’s house at Karikunnam in Thodupuzha and coached under him while studying at Rajakaad school and Muttam school.Her coach during her days at Alphonsa College, Thankachan Mathew, principal Alphonsa Mathew and Sr Selin have also rang up to convey their joy and wishes to Preeja.Idukki MLA P T Thomas and Palakkad MP M B Rajesh also rang up to congratulate Preeja.However, Preeja herself could not make it to her home during the moment of joy as she is busy practising in Bangalore for the world championships. On whether they expected the Khel Ratna Award, Ramani said that Preeja’s name did come up for the coveted prize.“We will accompany Preeja to New Delhi for the award distribution ceremony.Her brother, sister and their families will also accompany Preeja on her moment of glory”, Ramani said.She added that Preeja’s new house at Akkathethara was nearing completion and the family would soon shift to the new house.