Hubli: During the 8th World Dwarf Games held in Berlin, Germany, from July 28 to August 5, the Indian team achieved an unprecedented feat by securing a total of 20 gold medals.
Devappa More, hailing from Kadanakoppa in Kalaghatagi Taluk of Dharwad District, clinched two gold medals in the athletics competition. Upon his triumphant return to his hometown, the villagers warmly welcomed him and joyously celebrated the remarkable achievement of the individual who proudly raised the Indian tricolor flag on the soil of Germany.
Shivananda Gunjala from Hubballi, who served as the coach and manager of the Indian dwarf team, warmly welcomed Devappa More. Despite representing the country, Devappa did not receive any financial support from the Indian government. Instead, he recently participated in the Games in Germany with the generous contributions of numerous donors.
Indian team won 20 gold, 12 silver and 10 bronze medals. In the 19-member Indian team, there were 8 Kannadigas including Devappa More. In the 75 kg powerlifting category of the state, Tulsidara won gold while Nagesh also won silver. The government and district administration should honor and respect the dwarf athletes who have achieved extraordinary feats in foreign lands.
