Mandya: Bitter experience for father of silver medalist at Commonwealth Games

DHNS

• ‘State Olympics committee did not bother to wish Vikas’

Mandya, 21 October 2010: Shivegowda, father and coach of Vikasgowda, who bagged silver medal in ’Discus Throw’ in the recently concluded 19th Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, shared his ‘bitter’ experiences with DHNS.

 

 

Shivegowda said initially, he was not all allowed inside the stadium by the security personnel despite telling them his son had been participating in one of the events.

 

He was allowed inside only after much persuasion. Shivegowda, who is in United States hails from Holenarasipur. He married Vijayalakshmi of Mandya. The medal winner Vikasgowda had spent his childhood days in Mandya.

 

Honour

Speaking at a programme after receiving the honour on behalf of his son, he shared bitter experiences during the competitions.

 

They were announcing the name of Vikasgowda over the speaker as he was waiting for his chance to enter the stadium. He had literally pleaded the personnel there to allow him as he would miss his son playing at the competition.

 

Finally, he was allowed entry and witnessed the magic moment, he added. He exuded confidence that Vikasgowda would bring gold in the forthcoming Asian games.

 

Neglected

Speaking at a press meet, he said the State Olympics Committee or the government did not show any interest even after Vikas bagged silver.

 

He has heard about the government’s assurances for the medal winners of the State, but till date there is no information about it, he added.