The hindu:
Anthonappa S.
Anthonappa S.
International volleyball player Anthonappa S. (39) is fed up with the apathetic
attitude of the Government in supporting rural talent.
Mr. Anthonappa, a native of Chavarikoplu in Hassan taluk who has taken part in
eight international meets for the disabled and over 20 national events, may
be forced to auction off his numerous medals and trophies in order to repay the
bank loan he took to attend the meets.
A second division clerk in the Department of Public Instruction, Mr. Anthonappa
led the Indian team that won the silver in the international beach volleyball
tourney for the disabled in Germany in July.
He also led the Indian team at the 2010 Sitting Volleyball World tournament
held at the University of Central Oklahoma, U.S. Except for the air tickets,
he had to spend from his own pocket for other expenses. The then Karnataka
Sports and Youth Services Minister Gulihatti Shekhar, who was at one of the
India matches, was impressed by the team's performance. The Minister then got
Rs. 25,000 sanctioned to Mr. Anthonappa from his department.
Speaking at a press conference here recently, Mr. Anthonappa said that the
Paralympics Volleyball Federation of India, which selected him to head the
national
team, does not extend full financial support. "Sometimes, the Ministry of Youth
Affairs and Sports supports us financially, but it is insufficient. I borrowed
Rs. 1.5 lakh from a bank to meet my expenses during the visit to Germany.
Altogether, I have a debt of Rs. 3.5 lakh," he said.
He said he was humiliated when he approached some elected representatives to
seek assistance for attending sports events. "An MLC offered me Rs. 250 while
a former Minister showed the courtesy of giving me Rs. 100," he said.
If the authorities do not respond to his plea for assistance, he said he would
auction off his medals and blazers to clear his debts.
Polio-affected Mr. Anthonappa was attracted to sports at a very young age. He
was part of the volleyball team in high school.
He took part in sport meets even after getting a government job on compensatory
grounds following the death of his father, a teacher.
A few years ago, the State Government issued an order to award additional
increments to encourage government servants who have excelled in sports. "I have
been applying to avail of the benefit for the last three years. But to no
avail," he said.
Noted artist K.T. Shivaprasad, who was at the press conference, appealed to the
Deputy Commissioner of Hassan to extend the benefits due to Mr. Anthonappa.
With thanks and regards
(Rajesh Asudani)
Assistant General Manager
Reserve Bank of India
Nagpur
Cell: 9420397185
o: +91 712 2806846
R: 2591349
It's not activity that wears out the body and spirit- it's inactivity. Keep
going!"
GUS ECKSTEIN
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