Basking in the glory of being India's lone medallist at the recently-concluded London 2012 Paralympics Games silver-medallist Girisha Hosanagara Nagarajegowda's joy multiplied when he received a phone call from star cricketer Sachin Tendulkar.
"Sachin called me up last evening and I was very happy when he said I have become an inspiration for many people," Girisha said at chief minister Jagadish Shettar's official residence in Bangalore.
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High-jumper Girisha, who has an impairment in his left leg, sailed over 1.74m in the final of the Games to finish second behind Iliesa Delana of Fiji.
Asked about the conversation, Girisha said the batting maestro told him to perform even better in future and win as many medals as possible.
The Paralympian said he would meet Tendulkar in a few days time.
Asked whether Tendulkar has promised to offer him a gift as he did to London Olympics bronze-medallist shuttler Saina Nehwal, Girisha said he did not expect anything from the batsman.
"Just that he (Sachin) spoke to me over phone has given me so much of joy because I have been following Sachin and his game closely," he added.
Girisha said apart from Tendulkar, he received a congratulatory call from Saina.
He said wrestler Sushil Kumar has been his role model because he has been a consistent performer for India winning bronze and silver medals in Beijing and London Olympics respectively.
"I also like his soft nature."
Earlier in the day, Girisha was accorded a warm welcome at the Bangalore International Airport on his arrival from the London Paralympic Games.
Photograph: Gareth Copley/Getty Images
