As the State basks in glory with 11 of its athletes compete at the London Olympics, two officials are set to create history.
While RV Raghu Prasad will be travelling to London as a hockey umpire, Kumbasi Subramanya will be donning the referee’s role at the weightlifting contests. What makes the duo’s achievement special is that they are the first umpires/ referees from Karnataka to make the cut for an Olympic Games.
“It’s a dream come true for me,” Raghu, who will leaving to the Old Blighty on Thursday, told Deccan Herald.
“When I was picked with the FIH (International Hockey Federation) at the start of the year I was totally ecstatic. To be a part of an event as big as Olympics is anybody’s dream and considering I am on the threshold of achieving that feat, words can’t describe my feelings.
“What makes me really proud is that I am the first Kannadiga to do it. I hope to do a good job there,” added the 33-year-old.
Proud man
Subramanya, who is third Indian ever to be chosen by the International Weightlifting Federation to officiate at the Olympics, too echoed Raghu’s thoughts.
“I am the first person from Karnataka to be chosen for such a task. Obviously you are filled with a sense of pride. It’s a sense of honour and considering the years of hard work that I’ve put in, I feel the effort has really paid off,” said the 58-year-old.
“I’ve been part of World Championships and Delhi Commonwealth Games, but this is something special. Hopefully I get one more chance,” added the vice-president of the Indian Weightlifting Federation who attained Category I license in 1993.