Karnataka - Others   

This athlete is waiting for a chance to do the country proud in Italy

Staff Correspondent

Sadiqullah is the only person from the State to have been selected for the meet

On a mission: Sadiqullah with his gold medal.

Chitradurga: Bringing glory to the district, 45-year-old Sadiqullah is the only athlete in the State who has been selected to participate in the international veterans’ athletic championship to be held in Italy in October.

The opportunity came after he won a gold medal in a triple jump event at the recently held national-level veterans’ athletic meet in Bangalore. Nearly 20 other athletes in the country from various age groups participated in the championship. The championship is held for athletes between ages 35 and 80. In the age group of 40 and above, Mr. Sadiqullah and another athlete from Maharashtra have been selected for the event in Italy.

A sports person by profession, Mr. Sadiqullah has been involved in athletics for the past thirty years.

While on one hand he is jubilant at being selected for the international event, he is also apprehensive that he may have to cancel his visit if he does not have enough money.

“I was told that I need nearly Rs. 1 lakh for my travel and other expenses for one week. I do not know how to generate money for it,” he said. He said he earns about Rs. 8,000 from the health club he runs, which goes towards family expenses.

Meanwhile, at a felicitation function organised by MLA G. H. Tippareddy and his few supporters here on Saturday, he hoped that he would get some financial aid from MLA and his club members. He said that with the help of MLA he got his passport.

“I hope that I will get a chance to represent my country, win a medal and bring glory to the country,” he said.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

The poor can rely on his list of blood donors
Kamalalayam tank to get facelift soon
This athlete is waiting for a chance to do the country proud in Italy
‘Only 60 of 230 complaints attended to’
New Town team captures another crocodile
Beer licence of multiplex cancelled
Confrontation during stir at BEML
NET signs pact with Pennsylvania varsity
3 killed
Taken ill
‘Manipal University committed to excellence’
Teachers seek job security
Residents block road for drinking water

Copyright © 2007, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu