The Inspiring Journey of Kho Kho Champion Gowtham MK
In Bengaluru, a wave of emotions swept over 27-year-old Gowtham MK as he proudly accepted the prestigious Kreeda Ratna Award from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Standing on the podium, he reminisced about his early days, recalling the humble Rs. 10 pocket money his father, Kapani Gowda, would give him weekly. Throughout his life, Kapani has worked tirelessly as an auto-rickshaw driver, striving to provide for Gowtham, his wife, and his sister.
Gowtham’s journey in Kho Kho began when he was in the fourth standard. His father had dreams of enrolling him in a private convent school, believing that a good English education was essential for his son’s success. “I saw my father working hard, trying to gather the admission fees while dreaming of a better future for me,” Gowtham shared.
However, fate had a different plan. It was Mahadesh, his physical training teacher at the government primary school, who spotted Gowtham’s talent for sports. With great enthusiasm, Mahadesh persuaded Gowtham’s father to reconsider his plans for a private school, highlighting the boy’s potential in athletics. “We didn’t have much money, and my teacher’s encouragement made my father rethink everything,” Gowtham recounted.
Despite discouragement from relatives and friends, Gowtham’s resolve to pursue Kho Kho remained unshaken. After finishing the 8th standard, he joined the local Young Pioneers Sports Club, which took him under its wing. They supported both his training and education, allowing him to fully focus on his athletic career. As Gowtham’s skills began to shine, his father became even more supportive, seeing the potential in his son.
Over the years, Gowtham participated in more than 20 tournaments at various levels, from sub-junior to senior national championships. He proudly represented India in the 4th Asian Kho Kho Championship and even played in the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup, both of which India won gold. This success opened doors for Gowtham, who secured a central government job in the Postal Department, thanks to a certificate he earned during the India-Nepal Kho Kho Test series in 2018.
Reflecting on his journey, Gowtham shared a heartfelt moment with his father. He assured him, “We don’t need to look back anymore; you no longer have to drive the auto-rickshaw. I can now take care of our family.” This promise signified a turning point in their lives, showcasing the power of determination and hard work.
Meanwhile, in the same state, another young athlete, 22-year-old Chaithra B., was also receiving the Kreeda Ratna Award from the Chief Minister. Her story mirrors that of countless girls in small towns who strive to achieve greatness. Hailing from a humble farming family in Kuruburu, Mysuru, Chaithra faced her share of challenges when her father suffered a snakebite while working in the fields in 2014. His health complications made recovery difficult.
During this tough time, Chaithra considered quitting Kho Kho to help her family. “I thought about giving up on sports, but I promised my father that I would work hard to change our circumstances,” she recalled, showcasing her unwavering determination.
Despite the odds, Chaithra excelled in Kho Kho, rising through numerous national championships and eventually participating in the first Kho Kho World Cup, where she earned the Best Player of the Match award. Currently, she is pursuing a B.P.Ed. in her second year and aims to secure a suitable job through the sports quota after her studies.
The Kho Kho Federation of India, under President Sudhanshu Mittal, proudly reported that over 3,500 Kho Kho athletes have secured government jobs across various central and state departments. “It brings me joy to see Kho Kho athletes transforming their lives. This sport is becoming modern and competitive, and it is encouraging young people to consider Kho Kho as a promising career,” Mittal remarked.
The Karnataka Kreeda Ratna Award comes with a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh and a citation. Recently, the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports (DYES), Government of Karnataka, honored outstanding athletes by distributing 30 Ekalavya, 9 Karnataka Kreeda Ratna, and 9 Lifetime Achievement awards for the years 2022 and 2023.
Gowtham and Chaithra’s journeys are testaments to hard work, passion, and the transformative power of sports in India. They serve as inspirations not just for young athletes but also for every dreamer striving to change their circumstances through dedication and grit.
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Original Text – https://www.deccanchronicle.com/sports/other-sports/the-department-of-youth-empowerment-and-sports-dyes-govt-of-karnataka-on-monday-distributed-30-ekalavya-9-karnataka-kreeda-ratna-and-9-lifetime-achievement-awards-for-the-years-2022-and-2023-1921569