Mysore :

City’s Varsha S. Puranik, a talented roller skater who is a National Champion in the women’s category for the last five successive years, was awarded the prestigious Ekalavya award by the Govt. of Karnataka in a grand function at Raj Bhavan, Bangalore last week. She recently represented India in the World Games 2013 at Cali, Colombia and fared well (finished 16th in 500m road race). She is our “Star This Week.”

Varsha S. Puranik, 25, is a II Year M.D. Microbiology student, JSS Medical College, Mysore. She is the proud daughter of R. Srirama Krishna (retd. IOB) and Thara Srirama. Her elder brother Sri Harsha’s roller skating exploits inspired her also to take up to this sport.

Starting skating at a young age of 3, Varsha began her basics at Bal Bhavan Roller Skating rink under the guidance of Ravi in 1990. She jointed Vishwamithra Roller Skating Club in 1993 and started to train under the guidance of late K. Sridhar Rao at J.K. Grounds. Presently, she is trained under R. Srikanta Rao, a Ekalavya awardee at the Rao’s Roller Skating Club.

Varsha has represented Karnataka in 17 National championships and has emerged as a top roller skater in the junior and senior sections. She emerged as the fastest skater in the country in 2008 and 2010 Nationals.

Varsha first represented the country in the International level in 2001 in the World Inline Speed Skating Championships at France in 2001 (10km race- finished 16th). She got her first Intl. medal when she was part of the Indian relay team which won bronze in 5km relay at the Asian Roller Skating Championships.

In 2003, she represented India in the World Junior Championships at Venezuela (5km race-finished 15th). In 2004, representing India at the 10th Asian Championships at Japan, she finished 4th in the individual event. In 2010, she represented India in the 16th Asian Games at Guangzhou, China (3000m-finished 7th).

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports News / September 08th, 2013