Hubballi :
Priyanka Kalagi, an alumnus of Karnataka University, Dharwad, has been selected for the World University Games (WUG)-2015 to be held in Gwangju, South Korea, from July 3 to 14. The 22-year-old, who is pursuing PGDCA at Alva’s College in Moodbidri, Dakshina Kannada district, is the only student from Karnataka to be part of Indian Universities Team of Athletics (men and women).
In the final trials held at Punjabi University, Patiala, on May 27 and 28, Priyanka ran 100 metres in 11.56 seconds. She won the silver medal in the 200 metres trials. Every day, she trains two hours in the morning and two hours in the evening.
Hailing from Gadag, Priyanka pursued her high school and degree while living in the Sports Authority of India’s hostel in Dharwad. After doing her BA, she got a free seat at Alva’s College to pursue PGDCA.
Speaking to STOI, Priyanka wondered how she would raise the Rs 1.90 lakh needed to participate in WUG. “However, authorities at my college have promised to make arrangements,” she added.
There’s good news from another quarter too. The Alva Education Foundation has come forward to send Priyanka to South Korea.
Her coach at the college, Shantaram Rai DV, said Mangalore University has promised to bear some of the cost. “Our chairman M Mohan Alva has instructed us to take care of expenses of Priyanka. We will bear 100% cost and later get some percentage reimbursed by the university.”
Her father Shivayogi Kalagi, who is a weighing machines repairer in Gadag, said he earns about Rs 15,000 a month. “My son Pratik works in a company in Bengaluru and earns Rs 13,000 a month. We cannot expect more from him. Because of our financial constraints, Priyanka lived in the SAI hostel. She never got discouraged by our condition.”
Venkatesh Kattimani, president of the Gadag District Athletic Association, said Priyanka is a serious sportsperson. “Her dedication towards sports will design a bright career for her.”
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Hubballi / by Sangamesh Menasinakai, TNN / June 07th, 2015