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Picking `em up from dust

It is amazing to see how a sleepy village has been turned into a hub of activity, says J.R. SHRIDHARAN

PHOTO: CH. VIJAYA BHASKAR

UNITY IN DIVERSITY Coming under one roof to flex muscles is a unique experience

A non-descript village, Kethanakonda, near Vijayawada is witnessing a silent revolution in sports.

Far from the hustle-bustle of city life, over 25 weightlifters from all over the country are stretching their muscles with a common goal - to bag a medal in the mother of all sporting events - the Olympics. Driven by an insatiable urge to produce quality sportsmen, industrialist Chalasani Balaramaiah founded a sports academy - CBR Foundation for Sports. Weightlifters from every nook and cranny of the country have been staying at the academy to undergo vigorous practice sessions and fulfil Balaramaiah's dream.

A lifting experience

Says Ravi, a former weightlifter: "Balaramaiah himself is an avid weightlifter and began the coaching sessions in weightlifting in a very humble manner. But later on, he felt that opportunities should be given to talented weightlifters from all over the country and founded the academy at Kethanakonda. "Our academy has produced a number of talented lifters since 1983 and they performed well in national and international competitions," he announced with pride.

Spread across 40 acres of land, the sprawling academy houses best of the weightlifting equipment, matching international standards. "As many as 20 lifters can practice under one roof at a time here. The bar bells and other accessories are imported. We have a major platform along with six mini ones," says coach Rajasekhar.

Weightlifters from Jharkhand, Manipur, Assam, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh literally eat, sleep and dream weightlifting in this tiny village, which is their second home now.

Says Anitha Kumari, a weightlifter from Jharkahand: "After joining the academy, I won a silver medal in the senior nationals." Young Gnaneswari from Manipur represented India in junior Asian championships held at Uzbekistan in the 69 kg category.

India's popular weightlifter Sailaja, who won gold medal at the Commonwealth Games held at Melbourne (Australia), is a former trainee of the academy.

Frequent dropouts from the academy are a major cause of concern, says Ravi. " We train them so hard it is unfortunate that many leave the academy before realizing their dreams. In a bid to prevent trainees leaving the academy, we are planning to find them part-time jobs to enable them to earn money while pursuing weightlifting," Ravi points out.

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