Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (MS)

Kundapur, Mar 27: In the Columbia Missourian regional Spelling Bee competition that was held in the USA, Jiya Shetty, daughter of parents, whose native place is Baleberu Mane in Amparu village of Kundapur, bagged the first place. The speciality is that her sister Anya Shetty was her opponent in the regional level competition.

Both Jiya and Anya are daughters of Dr Pavan Kumar Shetty and Chaithra P Shetty couple of Baleberu Mane, who are settled in the USA now. Jiya Shetty (14), was regional champion last year also. However, last year's competition did not progress beyond the regional level due to Covid. This time around, 10-year-old Anya Shetty, younger sister of Jiya was her opponent in the last round. In fact Anya was Jiya's opponent in the last round, previous year also.

Anya Shetty says, "We do not have much age difference. We have many common interests. The competition is just between us."

Jiya Shetty says, "I get to know the spelling of many new English words while reading. In addition, I also explore all possibilities of knowing new English words wherever possible."

Chaithra Shetty, mother of Anya and Jiya says, "The competition between Jiya and Anya is not as siblings but as opponents in the competition."