Santhosh feted

What is compelling about Santhosh, apart from sheer determination, is his rags-to-riches climb that once saw him battle hard for even one square meal a day.

“I never imagined I could win a medal, let alone for India,” said Santhosh during a felicitation function organised by MEG here on Thursday. “There was a time when I used to wonder about my next meal. It was not just me alone, my entire family faced the same problem.

“Thanks to MEG, I am what I am today. They gave me a new life and opened the door of opportunities for me. MEG gave me a re-birth in 2003 and I am trying hard to make the most out of it,” added the humble 19-year-old, who also has been promoted to the rank of Naib Subedar.

Son of a paan seller, a feeble Santhosh was honing his skills at a local club in Visakhapatnam when he was spotted by M Venu, one of MEG’s boxing talent scouts, in 2003. Santhosh was then inducted into the Boys Sports Company -- a wing of MEG -- where he was given free education and training.

His main worries taken care of, Santhosh put his heart and soul into the sport, stocking up one title after another. Santhosh is a seven-time National champion and the 2008 Commonwealth Youth Games gold winner. With age on his side and the will to work hard, many such successes could come calling for the talented teenager in future.