Natasha Sagar
Bengaluru: Natasha Sagar, once a well-known junior athlete who was a sure-shot medallist for Karnataka at most junior competitions in India, passed away here on Tuesday.
According to sources, the 36-year-old Natasha, daughter of Dr Premachandra Sagar -- the vice chancellor of Dayanand Sagar Group of Institutions and Sagar Hospitals, is said to have expired due to health-related issues.
Known as a multi-discipline athlete throughout her young career, Natasha made her first big impression when she clinched a gold in the girls' under-14 triathlon event at the junior nationals held in Shivamogga in 2003.
The success at such a big stage at home catapulted Natasha as one of the most promising track and field athletes who made juggling between events look easy.
"She was punctual, obedient and a very hardworking girl," remembered VR Beedu, the Dronacharnaya Awardee who coached Natasha during her most successful athletic years between 2003 and 2007.
"Her mother first wanted to make her an 800m runner. But we discussed and I thought she had the talent to be groomed as a good jumper. And she proved me right. More than everything she was a nice girl and got along with everybody. The news of her demise at such a young age is difficult for me to believe," said Beedu, who trains at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium here.
From long jump, high jump, triple jump to 100m hurdles and pentathlon, the Baldwin Girls High School student had made a habit of finishing on the podium.
Following a silver in heptathlon at the 2006 junior Federation Cup in Chennai, Natasha slowly big adieu to sports as a teen but went on to excel in studies and entrepreneurial ventures.
The Bengaluru girl, named among Fortune India's 100 most dynamic personalities, was serving as the joint secretary of Dayananda Sagar Institutions.