Dasara Games - State honours sporting achievers

Mangalore Today News Network

Mysore, Sep 26, 2014: Karnataka’s Prakash Nanjappa, the bronze medal winner in the ongoing Asian Games in Incheon, mountaineer Arunima Sinha and senior athletic coach and Dronacharya award winner N Lingappa were among five sports persons from Karnataka  to be felicitated at the inaugural ceremony of the Mysore Dasara Games on September 25.

 

Speaking on the occasion, Arunima said,  It is important for us to keep ourselves focussed and not get distracted by those who discourage us. We must believe in ourselves and when we achieve our goals, there will be many to accord us the accolades.  Arunima is physically challenged having lost one of her legs.

Para-swimmer M Niranjan and boxing coach G Manoharan were also honoured on the occasion.

Meanwhile, synthetic athletic track at the Chamundi Vihar Stadium, wrestling arena and asports hostel were inaugurated on the opening day.

Dasara games launched  :  Dasara Games were launched in a grand manner with surprise package, Bensle Taha of Holland, taking home the wrestling crown at the D Devaraj Ursu multi purpose ground. The 24-year old prevailed over local lad Karthik in two minutes and 13 seconds to win the contest.

Talking about his experience in the Games, Taha said: I have been here in Mysore from the past ten days. I decided to take part in wrestling after having seen the posters from past few days. A student of psychology, Taha spoke about his interest in the sport. I am a trained wrestler from Holland. In order to compete in this event, I did immense research online about wrestling in India.You need determination and strength in your body to compete on sand. I am amused and inspired to see senior wrestlers from here who display great talent,  he concluded.