Anand Prasad (13), a class 8 student of Rosario High School, was all set to take part in 200-metre race at taluk-level sports event at Mangala Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.
His physical director Karriappa Rai was sure that Anand was going to get his third gold medal. He had won the 400 m and 600 m events earlier. “My student is going to win, I am sure,” Mr. Rai said with pride. Then, finishing ahead of others in the race was only a formality for Anand. And the third gold medal was his.
Anand was one of the three students from the Rosario High School who bagged three gold medals each in the two-day event. “Hard work and dedication was the reason for their success,” Mr. Rai said. The school won the overall championship. Anand started participating in such events five years ago. He was inspired by Johan Lobo, who is a physical director for the primary school. He plays football and is a national-level and State athletic player.
Anand's schoolmate Siddharth S. Puthran, participating in under-17 category, won gold medals in shotput, hammer throw, and discuss throw. Navish, playing in the same category, won gold medals in 1500m, 800m, and 300m races.
Siddarth said he was inspired by his father and his physical directors Mr. Rai and Mr. Lobo . Mr. Rai said the school had been awarded the over-all championship for the past 18 years. “We train students keeping in mind their physical abilities and inner spirit,” he said.
Aloysius D'souza, Headmaster of Rosaria High School, said he was proud of his students and teachers.