Daijiworld Media Network – Karkala (MS)

Karkala, Dec 23: Hitesh, a 10th-grade student at the government Kannada school in Kalya, is making headlines for his exceptional achievements in athletics. Born to Leela and Harish in Varanga, Hitesh's journey from living in abject poverty to reaching the national level in sports is truly remarkable.

Leela, working as a dishwasher in a hotel, has been the backbone of support for Hitesh and his elder sister. Despite financial hardships, she encouraged Hitesh to pursue his passion for sports. Recently, Hitesh secured a silver medal in the 110-meter hurdles for boys under 17 at the state-level athletics meet held at Sri Ramakrishna School in Puttur. This victory earned him a spot to compete at the national level in Dehradun, scheduled at the end of December.

Living in a rented house in Kalya, Hitesh's journey is a testament to his dedication and resilience. His mother, Leela, manages the household and bears the educational expenses for both her children. Hitesh's achievements in sports and studies, where he excelled as the ninth-grade topper and school pupil leader, are a source of pride for his family and school.

Trained by dedicated teachers like Vasant Naik in primary school and Chandrashekhar in high school, Hitesh's success is despite the lack of specialized training and essential equipment. Local organizations, teachers, and trainers have rallied behind him, but he still requires more support to further his achievements.

Apart from his sporting prowess, Hitesh's commitment to education and his responsibilities, such as delivering newspapers and milk in the morning, showcase his resilience. His story is fuelled by a deep passion for sports, with Hitesh citing inspiration from reading the sports section in newspapers.

Sumana, the head teacher of Hitesh's school, expresses confidence in his potential, stating, "If Hitesh gets suitable encouragement, he will definitely show achievement at the national and international level."

Leela, Hitesh's mother, echoes this sentiment, hoping for support from donors to further empower her son's dreams. Hitesh's journey is not just a personal triumph but a testament to the transformative power of determination and support from the community.