Mysuru: Arjun Durgappa Halakurki, the 18-year-old from Davangere, who won a silver medal in the World School Championship (U-19) wrestling competition which is being held at Turkey, is reportedly safe there. The head of the state and the army are battling for power after a coup.
Arjun Durgappa Halakurki (extreme left)
He has called up his parents and coach telling that he is safe though there is unrest in some parts of the nation. Arjun who is being trained at DYES Sports Hostel in Davangere said, “As of now the place where we are residing and competition is being held is safe. But there is unrest in the country. Soon after coming to know about the unrest in Turkey, I called my coach and also my parents to tell that I am safe and there is no problem as of now. If everything goes well we will be departing from Turkey on July 18 as per our schedule and reach Delhi on July 19”.
R Shivanand, Wrestling coach, Sports Authority of Karnataka, Davangere who is training Arjun from the past five years said, “Morning as usual I was imparting training to our students, my friend called me and said there is unrest in Turkey and enquired about our student that is Arjun who is a part of the Indian contingent taking part in the competition. Immediately, I called Arjun but he didn’t attend and later I sent a voice message through WhatsApp advising him to be careful and cool. Later in the afternoon he called me and said that he is fine and there is no problem as of now. To take part in the competition he left to Turkey on July 9”.
He also mentioned that Arjun is a talented wrestler who stood fourth in the Asian Championship held at Philippines recently and won more than eight medals in the national wrestling competition. To take part in the Turkey competition, Arjun whose father was a coolie and passed away three years back, has borrowed nearly Rs 2.5 lakh as credit from various financiers. Arjun who is pursuing II PU is native of Berimatti village of Bagalkot Taluk, Davangere district.
Hanumava, mother of Arjun said, “Through my brother I came to know about the problem in Turkey. Though they said that Arjun is safe and there was no problem for him I was not satisfied until he called me. Later in the morning he called me and said that he is safe and there was nothing to worry. After listening to his words I felt comfortable and relaxed. Three years back due to an accident I lost my husband, so when I heard about the unrest in Turkey, I was shocked and feeling uncomfortable. Though it is difficult for me to meet ends, I want my son to achieve big in wrestling which was also my husband’s dream. To send him for Turkey competition, we had borrowed money from many money lenders. At the end of the day we felt happy when we came to know that he won a silver medal in the competition. I am very confident that he will come back to India without any hassle. If government comes forward and encourages Arjun’s training, it will be good. Otherwise it will be uphill task for us”.
Ramesh, Joint Director, DYES, Bengaluru said, “From Karnataka two of them are taking part in the World School Championship. Arjun from Davangere DYES Sports Hostel is a part of the wrestling team while Geetha from Belgaum is a part of the Judo team. I spoke to both of them, both are safe and there is absolutely no problem. Our minister spoke to minister of external affairs to know the prevailing situation in Turkey. We are regularly keeping track of the duo. We even spoke to the coaches who are representing the sports persons”.
