Mangalore varsity student heads for S Korean games

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, June 05, 2015:  Priyanka Kalgi S, student of PGDCA in Alva’s College, Moodbidri, is the only athlete representing Karnataka in World University Games - ’Universiade’.  The major meet is organised by International University Sports Federation every two years. Selected to represent the country in an international event, Priyanka, with great joy said she was happy over her achievement. She added that the hard work and efforts have helped her to reach the heights.   For the first time in the history of Mangalore University, a student from the university has been selected for World University Games to be held at South Korea in July 2015.

She had won gold medal in 100 metre by clocking 11.9 seconds, at the selection for the World University Games held at Punjab University, Patiala on May 27.   Speaking to media she said she was very happy with the progress she made, in the last few years. In the inter-collegiate sports meet, she bettered her personal best of 11.8 seconds in 100 metres and had created a university record and 24.9 seconds in 200 metres and had broke the university record after 31 years. At school, she got a taste of sports glory competing in fast runs and doing well.

On the subject of her training she said that when she was in I PU, she won a gold in 100 metre, bronze in 200 metre and gold in 4X 100 relay.  In second PU also she had won gold in 100 metre at SJFI. In the recently concluded Federation Cup Seniors Athletics Championship, she was a part of the 4X100 relay which won gold. In the 75th All India Inter University Athletic Meet held at Moodbidri, she had won gold in 100 metre by clocking 11.96 seconds, silver in 200 metre (24.7 seconds) and gold in 4X 100 relay.

Before leaving for South Korea, selected athletes for World University Games will undergo training at Alva’s College, Moodbidri and the Association of Indian Universities will deputy a coach for the same. The training will be held from June 11 to 25.

Mangalore University Physical Education Department’s Dr Kishor Kumar stated that 7 students of Mangalore University were selected for the selection round. Of which, four had attended and one was selected for World University Games. If trained properly aided by focussed coaching, Priyanka Kalgi is sure to reach greater heights and win many golds. The expenses for Priyanka will come around Rs 1.90 lakh to go to South Korea. As per the directions of the Association of Indian Universities, the respective university has to sponsor the athlete. The Mangalore University VC Prof K Byrappa and Alva’s Education Trust Chairman Dr Mohan Alva have promised to meet the expenses in part.