Moodbidri: This Ekalavya of Mangaluru had no Guru who would assist him neither had enough money to get trained to be a successful athlete. But the will power and hard work enabled him to reach his goal and now he has four Guinness records to his credit in just two years.
Rakshith Shetty, a resident of Gurupur and employee of Moodabidri Alvas College is the proud athlete from Mangaluru.
Even though Rakshith actively participated in sports in his school days, there was lack of encouragement and support. Due to financial issues he could not get trained. After completing B.Com, he worked in a travel agency in Mumbai and also in a hotel. During his leisure time he kept practising. The marathons in Mumbai encouraged him to keep his dreams alive. In 2008, he participated in Mumbai Marathon (42km). He participated in 2009 and 2010 too which kept him fit to participate further.
In 2009 he participated in the 10 km Malad Race and completed it within 40 minutes and 18 seconds. In 2010 he once again participated in Malad Race and completed the race in 38:06. Later he went on to win the Bunts tournament 1500m race. He participated in Navi Mumbai Barefoot Half Marathon held for Guinness Record and grabbed the merit certificate. In 2011 he won first prize in 3000m and 1500m race as part of Ahar Trophy tournament. In 2012 he participated in Mumbai Half Marathon and set a record of 1:29:00. He also won several prizes in Thane Marathon, Kadivali Marathon and Meeraroad Race.
In 2014 he completed over 9 races by donning different outfits. In 2014 Rakshith set Guinness record by participating in TCS 10km Race held in Bengaluru and Mysuru. In Cauvery Trial Marathon he stood fourth. In 2015 he participated in the Mumbai Marathon. He set two Guinness records in 2015.
Guinness records
In 2014, on May 18 he finished the TCS World 10km race in 43:02 in Bengaluru.
In 2014, on September 7, he completed 10km race held in Mysuru in 42:57 donning a carrot outfit.
In 2015, on October 18, he finished the Half Marathon in Bengaluru in 1 hour, 30 minutes.
In 2015, on December 5, SBI Bengaluru Midnight Half Marathon race in 1:26:57 wearing a musical instrument outfit.
Speaking to NewsKarnataka, Rakshith Shetty said, “From my childhood, I wanted to be a successful athlete. The hard work I have put forth has helped me to achieve my goal. The government as well as other associations must encourage those talents who are financially weak.
