The Hindu : Karnataka News : Never-say-die spirit has fetched him laurels

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Friday, Jul 27, 2007
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Karnataka

Karnataka

Never-say-die spirit has fetched him laurels

Vishwa Kundapura

A keen athlete at 58, Marappa is proud to represent the country at international meets

KOLAR: Hailing from a farmer family, V. Marappa has been a keen athlete. A resident of Moorandahalli village in Kolar taluk, Marappa, father of four, has not lost his enthusiasm for sports activities even at 58. Interested in athletics with a solid foundation in kabaddi, Marappa is one of the veteran athletes of the State.

Having played kabaddi since his schooldays, he switched to athletics to win medals at master athletic championships at the State, national and international levels.

“I accepted the challenge thrown at me by some people and joined pre-university classes a decade after I completed my SSLC only to take part in college and university games,” Marappa told The Hindu while explaining how determined he was to stay in the field. High jump, long jump and triple jump are his favourite events.

Being an agriculturist, Marappa is aware of the difficulties involved in mobilising funds to take part in events at higher levels, particularly international meets. But his dedication and enthusiasm saw him participating in such competitions.

Recognising the laurels and honour Marappa has brought to the State and the nation, the Masters Athletic Association of Karnataka (MAAKA) felicitated him at a function at Chitradurga recently.

Marappa remembers the helping hand extended by the public and organisations which enabled him to make it to many international events. “I thank all those who encouraged me morally and supported me financially,” he said.

“Generous help from the public saw me go to China in 2002,” he said. It was his first international adventure where he won a gold medal. Besides receiving donations from good Samaritans, he also took loans to meet his expenses, he adds.

Except in 2002, Marappa has met his expenses on his own to participate in other global meets.

He also exhibited his talent at the world master athletic meets in Sri Lanka (2003), Malaysia (2004) and Bangkok (2005).

Marappa has now been selected to participate in the 17th World Master Athletic Championship to be held at Riccione, Italy. Victory in 14th Asian Master Athletic Championship held in Bangalore in November last has helped Marappa qualify for the event.

He is to take part in high jump and triple jump at the Riccione meet.

However, he has appealed for help as he is not able to mobilise the amount for his expenses this time.

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