Sandesh Uppar has always been interested in sports. Born in Shiggaon, a town in Haveri district, he would keenly follow every sporting event. A snippet on cycling caught his attention and he was soon hooked on to cycling.

He got in touch with a cycling institute in Vijayapura, Karnataka’s cycling hub. The 19- year-old has gone on to win medals in State and National Championships. He also excelled in the MTB National Championship in Pune last year. However, lack of funds seemed to have put breaks on his career.

Help came from Starkenn Sports Private Ltd, a bicycle company. He says, “Starkenn believed in my talent. They helped me with money and other resources.” Sandesh hopes to participate in the Asian Championships in New Delhi next year and dreams of qualifying for the Olympics.

He says, “In a couple of decades, I want to start a coaching centre where I can guide and train young passionate cyclists who don’t have adequate resources.”

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> MetroPlus / T.R.Karthik / Bengaluru – July 30th, 2016