Justin D’Silva
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi
Udupi, Jul 29: A girl from the rural parts of Belapu has created her mark in the national level throw ball team. Jyothi hailing from Belapu near Kaup recently participated an international match between Bangladesh and India. She played a prominent role in winning the game for her country.
The match was held on July 13 and 14 in Dhaka. Jyothi played the match with full enthusiasm and helped her team winning it by 25-23 and 25-19. India, Bangladesh and Nepal took part in the tournament.
“I was very passionate about sports from my childhood. From 8th standard, I started to practice throw ball seriously. In 10th standard, I represented Dakshina Kannada in state level competition,” says Jyothi. She is very thankful to Seetharam Shetty, her high school physical advisor. She says that his guidance and support has taken her to this height.
Jyothi is an all-rounder in sports. She has participated in soft ball and weightlifting competitions. In soft ball, Jyothi has represented Mangalore University in inter-university level matches. She has also participated in weightlifting competitions. “For weightlifting, we need a trainer. I am eager to achieve greater heights in weightlifting also,” says Jyothi.
“It is a dream to represent my country on an international level. I was feeling proud when our national anthem was being played in the background. When Indian sports persons were winning gold, silver, bronze in international level events, I watched them on television. Others used to mock me and say what are you doing? I never dreamt of representing my country and winning matches,” says a proud Jyothi.
Jyothi is the daughter of Raveendra and Sugandhi Naik. Raveendra runs a canteen in Belapu. “My parents were not ready to send me for tournaments. But after Seetharam Shetty convinced them, they agreed to send me for state level competitions when I was pursuing my 10th standard. They have always supported me in all of my sports activities,” says Jyothi.
At present, Jyothi is working in a US-based insurance company in Bengaluru. Her company officials have also supported her. She has formed a throw ball team in her company and coaches them.
Speaking about her future plans, Jyothi says, “Presently I am practicing for Dasara sports competitions. Meawhile, I am looking forward for sponsors for my sports practice and other sports related activities. In future, I am eagerly waiting to represent my country in Asia Cup and other events.”