Udupi: Kokkarne Student Prashant Takes a Big 'Leap' to Pole Vault Nationals

Suvarna Brahmavar
Daijiworld Media Network—Udupi (RD/CN)

Udupi, Dec 14: Prashant, II PUC student of Kokkarne Government Pre-University College, near Brahmavar, secured the second place in state-level pole vault competitions held in Chitradurga, thereby qualifying for the national competition scheduled to be held in Ranchi, Jharkhand.  He is one of only two athletes who qualified for the national competitions.

Prashant is a II PUC (arts) student, son of Shekar Markala and Laxmi, residents of Sastav, near here.  His brother works in a restaurant in Hospet and sister is pursuing D Ed in Udupi.

It’s significant that Prashant is a rural student shining in national competitions.  The other qualifier is girl student Akshata S in javelin from Kollur Mookambika Pre-University College.

Prashant took early interest in sports when he was studying in Cherkady Sharada high School, after his schooling in Sastav Lower Primary School.  He had participated in taluk level pole vault competitions when he was studying in high school, but became a versatile athlete while studying in Kokkarne Government Pre-University College.

Prashant secured the first place in the district-level competitions when he was studying for his I PUC and excelled in the state level sports meet held at Tumkur.  He secured second place in the district-level sports meet held at the district stadium during this academic year and secured second place in the state level sports meet held in Onake Obavva stadium, Chitradurga, thereby qualifying for the national competitions.

Pole Vault Athletes of Kokkarne:

The pole vault has a long history in Kokkarne College.  There were many achievers in the past. School betterment committee president B Srinivas Hegde was a pole vault athlete when he was a lecturer at the college.  Other pole vault athletes of the region are Sidda from Muddoor, Udaya, and Sandesh Shetty.

Prashant has excelled in sports by making the best use of basic facilities at the college.  He is being mentored by physical training instructors Shiroor Sridar Shetty and Manjunath Shetty. Moreover, he needs a better coach to excel at national and international competitions.

The district Amateur Athletic Association president Balakrishna Hegde assured to support Prashant in his national debut.  Sports enthusiasts can also contribute to Prashant’s future endeavours.