Another Namma Huduga to be conferred with the Ekalavya Award is N. Lokesh. Having taken up gymnastics accidentally, Lokesh has gone on to achieve great feats in his favourite sport. He won the gold medal in the 54th Senior National Championship held at Hyderabad in 2014 apart from winning Bronze in 53rd Senior National Championship held at Kurukshetra in 2013.

Speaking to Star of Mysore, Lokesh said that he was happy to be recognised by the State Government for his achievements. “It is the recognition which I have received for the sincere efforts put in over the past 18 years. Such recognition always motivates sportspersons to achieve more feats and work harder to bring glory to State and country,” he said.

Lokesh, who aims at participating in International-level championships, rued that there were no basic facilities for gymnastics and urged the State Government to provide the same to help youngsters build a bright career. Lokesh is currently gearing up for the Goa National Games during which he aims at winning the feat that he achieved in 2014.

Having completed his B.E in Electrical and Electronics from PES College, Mandya, Lokesh is currently working as a Production Engineer in one of the private companies in Tumakuru. Though he has been finding it tough to dedicate time for his practice, Lokesh makes sure to attend the same for at least a couple of hours every day.

“Currently, I have not been able to give much time for practice. With National Games round the corner, there is a need for me to dedicate more time. I will make sure to repeat the golden feat once again at the National level,” said Lokesh.

While Lokesh was immensely happy to be receiving the award, his father Narasimhamurthy, a retired KEB Junior Engineer, was one step ahead. He was seen with his chest up feeling proud to see his son receiving the award in Mysuru from Chief Minister Siddharamaiah, who also hails from Mysuru.

“It is a proud moment for me and my family to see Lokesh receiving the prestigious award. It is a great achievement to be recognised at this level. Though we supported his interest to join gymnastics we had never thought he would reach such a great height. I hope to see him grow at a much higher level, so that he could bring laurels to the State as well as the country,” says Narasimhamurthy.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / May 14th, 2016