‘Cool’ champ goes back to school

When Junior Australian Open winner Yuki Bhambri decided to drop in at his school — Delhi Public School, Mathura Road — on Thursday, the reception was overwhelming, reports Ritika Chopra.

When Junior Australian Open winner Yuki Bhambri decided to drop in at his school — Delhi Public School, Mathura Road — on Thursday, the reception was overwhelming.

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“I last attended school almost a year ago, to appear for my Class X first-term examination,” said the 16-year-old. “Honestly, today when I met my teachers again, I still felt like a student who wanted to submit his assignment on time.”

While he contained his happiness and excitement, his teachers couldn’t help gushing over his sporting achievement as well as his academic record. “He might have had scanty attendance in school but he was an above-average student. He struck a perfect balance between studies and extra-curricular activities,” said his teacher Renu Malhotra, while Bhambri was felicitated in the presence of Principal MI Hussain and Chairman, DPS Society, Ashok Chandra.

Though a little hard to believe, Bhambri, who seemed to handle all the media attention with ease, was described as an outright introvert by his teachers. The trait, however, came to the fore when he had to briefly address the students in the school grounds.

“Most of the students here may not have noticed him in school because he is a such a shy boy. He would try his best to avoid speaking in front of his class. He shied away each time,” said his English teacher Anju Behuria.

Although he dropped in for a visit, Bhambri was not too sure if he would appear for his Board exams this year. “I hope to, but let’s see.” Maybe, DPS students would have to make do with his brief appearances.