JOIN USState honour for sporting achievers
Karnataka’s Prakash Nanjappa, the bronze medal winner in the ongoing Asian Games in Incheon, mountaineer Arunima Sinha and senior athletic coach and Dronacharya award winner N Lingappa were among five sportspersons from the State to be felicitated at the inaugural ceremony of the Mysore Dasara Games here on Thursday.
Speaking on the occasion, Arunima said: “It is important for us to keep ourselves focussed and not get distracted by those who discourage us. We must believe in ourselves and when we achieve our goals, there will be many to accord us the accolades.”Arunima is physically challenged having lost one of her legs.
Para-swimmer M Niranjan and boxing coach G Manoharan were also honoured on the occasion.
Meanwhile, synthetic athletic track at the Chamundi Vihar Stadium, wrestling arena and a sports hostel were inaugurated on the opening day.
Holland wrestler shines
The Dasara Games kicked off to grabd start with surprise package, Bensle Taha of Holland, taking home the wrestling crown at the D Devaraj Arasu multi purpose ground. The 24-year old prevailed over local lad Karthik in two minutes and 13 seconds to win the contest.
Talking about his experience in the Games, Taha said: “I have been here in Mysore from the past ten days. I decided to take part in wrestling after having seen the posters from past few days.”
A student of psychology, Taha spoke about his interest in the sport. “I am a trained wrestler from Holland. In order to compete in this event, I did immense research online about wrestling in India.”
“You need determination and strength in your body to compete on sand. I am amused and inspired to see senior wrestlers from here who display great talent,” he concluded.