The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Giving Spidey a run for his money

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Sunday, Sep 07, 2008
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Giving Spidey a run for his money

Kalyan Ashok

BANGALORE: They can give Spider-Man a run for his money. Meet Chea and Bharath, two children who put on a dazzling show at the Asian Youth Sports Climbing Championship in Bali, which was held from August 20 to 24.

Twelve-year-old Chea Amelia Marak grabbed a silver in the speed climbing race, where the contestants race one another using a harness to hit the buzzer at the top of a 55-ft artificial wall.

Eight-year-old Bharath Pereira took silver medals in three categories: lead climbing, speed climbing and bouldering.

This being their first overseas competition, the youngsters were ecstatic about their success and so was their coach, Keerthi Pais of Outback India.Bharath rued the fact that he narrowly missed the gold. Like a wise pro, he put it down to lack of home advantage. “My Indonesian rival had that, but if he comes to Bangalore I can beat him,” he said.

Chea, made an outstanding effort but missed out on the gold. However, she said that she would get the gold next time. Since taking up sports climbing in 2006, Chea has won several laurels in State, south zone and national-level competitions.

Sports climbing is gaining currency in the country, and according to Mr. Pais, it is part of the Asian Indoor Games and will be included in the next Asian Games. But the sport needs good support. The children had to raise money on their own to attend the competition at Bali. However, on their return, Commissioner of the Directorate of Youth Services and Sports Amar Kumar Pandey granted Rs. 10,000 to each of the children and also promised the necessary support.

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