Stealing the show with a leap

Perseverance

The 83rd annual university inter-collegiate athletic meet 2011-12 organised by department of physical education, University of Mysore at the Oval Grounds recently witnessed a large number of athletes participating in the prestigious event.

At the end of the three-day athletic meet, three new meet records were set in triple jump, javelin throw and 1,500 metres race by Ramyashree, Shahjahani and Smitha C. While Sumanth and Shobha grabbed two gold medals by emerging as the fastest in the 100 and 200 metre races.

However, as many athletes battled their competitors to lay their claim over the gold, one competitor, who stole the show with her performance in the long jump and high jump events held on the first and last day of the annual athletic meet was Nethravathi P S, a student of Maharani’s Arts and Science College.

Pursuing her first year bachelor of arts at Maharani’s college, losing her left hand to a polio attack hasn’t deterred her from competing in various sports tournaments.
Hailing from Palahalli in Srirangapatna taluk of Mandya district, Nethravathi has emerged fifth in the high jump category. However, her performance in the long jump was also appreciated by fellow athletes.

According to another participant at the tournament, who chose not to be named, said it was a delight to watch the youngster participating in the event. He said, “Watching her taking part in the tournament is an inspiration for us. It just shows that if you have the will to play then you can set better standards. Looking at her I’m sure many other youngsters would inspired to participate in sports.”

Speaking to City Herald, Nethravathi said that she has participated regularly in other sports including kho-kho, ball badminton, 4x400 and 4x100 metres relay. She said that she has been playing from her fifth standard. Participating in the 4x100 metres relay, she and her teammates finished fourth, she added. While Nethravathi doesn’t have any particular sports icon as a role model, she certainly believes in setting new limits for herself.

As late American tennis player Arthur Ashe said, “You are never really playing an opponent. You are playing yourself, your own highest standards, and when you reach your limits, that is the real joy.”