BENGALURU: The children of Karnataka’s soldiers have been making India proud in the sport of karate without much fanfare. These kids, who are students at the Army Public School in Bengaluru, have been training in karate and bringing glory to the nation.
In the Asian Karate Championship held in Kazakhstan from April 19 to 22, seven-year-old Nidith Gowda won a gold medal, while 15-year-old Pradeep and 12-year-old Adwath Raj won silver and bronze medals, respectively. Bhagat Gowda also won a bronze medal in the 12-year-old category. What’s even more remarkable is that all these medalists are from Karnataka.
These young karate champs are being trained by retired Captain Dorai, who served in the army and now coaches children of soldiers free of cost. He motivates them to take up karate and contribute to the nation’s defence in the future.
The children are also condemning the recent terrorist attacks and believe that the Indian Army will give a befitting response. Ramya, the wife of a soldier and mother of two medal-winning children, says that it’s time to take revenge against terrorists and Pakistan. She expressed confidence that the Indian Army will achieve it.
The children studying at the Army School are motivated to excel in karate because their fathers serve the nation. They want to bring glory to their country through their sporting achievements, just like their fathers do through their service in the armed forces.
Captain Ansi Dorai said, “I have served for 32 years in the army. My aim is to make them shine at the state, national and international level. Last time, we had won 8 medals out of 9 in the world championship. This time, all participants performed well in the sports. I am very happy for them as they all are from the Army School. Let us teach them martial arts. It helps to keep them fit and fine. It will build confidence among them”.