Athlete dedicates gold medal to CM

On his arrival here from New Delhi, he visited the Apollo Hospital, where Jayalalithaa was admitted since September 22 and enquired about her health condition with the doctors who were overseeing the treatment. 

“I am dedicating this medal to Amma,” Cheralathan told reporters outside the corporate hospital, where the 68 year-old leader is receiving treatment since September 22. Cheralathan said that Jayalalithaa had done a lot for sportspersons in the state and that many of them have benefited from her efforts. 

He expressed happiness to learn that Jayalalithaa was ‘well’ and said this gave him more joy than having won the medal. Cheralathan was part of the Indian team that trounced Iran in the just concluded Kabaddi world cup and struck gold. 

Meanwhile, AIADMK workers and supporters including party MLAs held prayers across the state wishing for the speedy recovery of Jayalalithaa. Prayers were held in places of religious worship in Erode and Karur among others. Jayalalithaa, initially admitted for fever and dehydration, was being treated for an infection with respiratory support among others. 

In the last medical bulletin issued on October 21, the hospital had said she was ‘interacting and progressing gradually’.