Mysuru: Due to his consistent and outstanding performances in the national level volleyball tournament, S G Raghavendra, son of a farmer who previously worked as a daily wager in J K Tyre Company, has been selected to represent India in the Paralympic Volleyball team which will be touring Thailand from August 12 to 18. Though it’s a pride and honour for him to represent the country, due to financial instability, Raghavendra who needs to pay nearly Rs 50,000 for flight and participation entry charges is thinking twice before taking part in the event.

Aged 29, S G Raghavendra, a talented volleyball player who is born disabled (short right leg), defies this very shortcoming with his talent in the court. Raghavendra who comes from a village known for volleyball started playing volleyball from his school days. Due to his outstanding talent, for the past seven years, he is a regular member of state and Indian volleyball team.

Speaking to Newskarnataka, Raghavendra said, “For the past nearly 20 years I am playing volleyball but now due to my consistent performance I got an opportunity to represent the country. In order to take part in the competition, I need to pay Rs 50,000 as flight and accommodation charges but due to financial instability, it is difficult for me to arrange the required money. My father who is a farmer and also works as coolie can’t afford to give this money. Earlier, I working as a daily wage employee for J K Tyre but now I am working as a recovery agent in a private bank. This is the only source of income for us. One side I feel great that I got the opportunity to represent the country and on the other side I am worried about how to arrange for the money. If I get money I can go otherwise I need to abstain from taking part in the competition.”

It may be recalled here that two years ago, Raghavendra was also selected to represent the country to take part in the Sri Lanka tour. Then also, he had a similar problem but due to support from various philanthropists he managed to take part in the tour and came out with an excellent performance. He will be attending the camp from August 4 at Bengaluru.

For more details contact Raghavendra Mob: 9980861200.