Madikeri: Youth from Kodagu are mostly found in the armed forces or in the field of hockey. But now, they have developed a liking for a different sport, racing through the tough terrain.

Like the drivers from Punjab who are known for their excellent driving, men from the hilly district too are well known as good drivers as they negotiate sharp curves on the roads with ease. This expertise has helped a few daring youth to venture into the field of racing both in two and four wheeler categories. A few interested youth have taken it up as a hobby trying on their own, day in and day out.

The latest to join this league are two youth, Kongetira Bopaiah in driver’s role and Konganda Karumbaiah as the navigator. They have taken part both at regional and national level and are undergoing rigorous training in the curvy roads of the hilly district to reach the top in a sport gaining ground. Racing tracks have been established across India in Noida, UP and in three places in Tamilnadu. Buddh international circuit in Noida and Formula-1 racing driver Naraian Karthikeyan come to mind when one thinks of car racing in India.

The youth combo from Kodagu won 2nd and 4th places in the recent leg of Coimbatore 2016 in the Volkswagen polo cup. Around 39 participants from various parts of the country had taken part and the duo’s performance is commendable considering the fact that they bagged the top 2 positions in the first five.

Courage, skills, passion, physical and mental endurance are the prerequisites to enter the field of racing. The duo is practicing hard to face their upcoming challenges.