By being the youngest member of the Indian contingent to settle for a silver (under-12) in kumite category in WKU World Karate Championships held in Athens (Greece), the 11-year-old Purvi Sharma from the city has achieved a rare feat.
This has come as no surprise for her coach Md Mansoor Pasha at Okinawa Martial Arts Academy or those who have been following her brief career.
For someone who started off picking up the rudiments at her school, St. Peter’s Grammar School at Bowenpally here, she has become quite a noticeable star in martial arts with her grit, determination and consistency at almost every meet that she takes part in.
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Pleased with the way Purvi was improving with every event, her mother, Amita Sharma, quit her MNC job to be with her on the circuit and help her realise the dream of standing on the pedestal of glory at the highest level.
“The silver in the worlds championships was the result of a lot of hard work, including two hours of rigorous training every day, and I am glad that I realised my dream of holding the national flag at the award ceremony in Athens,” says Purvi. “I was a bit nervous being the youngest competitor, but was quick to regroup myself on time to give off my best. I am happy with the silver too,” she said. Purvi is already in the preparatory mode for the next edition of the world championships in Austria in 2019. “I want to win the gold there,” she signs off on a confident note.