Mysuru: Arjun Durgappa Halakurki, an 18-year-old from Davangere, winner of a silver medal in the World School Championship (U-19) wrestling competition held at Turkey, who was stuck in Turkey where the head of the state and the army were battling for power after a coup, returned safely to Delhi on Tuesday, July 19.

Soon after the clash in Turkey, he had called 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 after landing in Delhi from Turkey, “When I was in Turkey, due to sudden developments and unrest in the country I was scared. Now after landing in Delhi I am feeling relaxed. I thank all my well-wishers for their blessings”.

R Shivanand, Wrestling coach, Sports Authority of Karnataka, Davangere who is training Arjun from the past five years too was concerned about the safety of Arjun. He said, “I am happy and relieved that Arjun is back in India. Soon after coming to Delhi, Arjun called me and shared his happiness”.

Hanumava, mother of Arjun who was scared about the development in Turkey said, “My son is back to India. Soon after coming to Delhi he called me. I want to thank almighty for my son’s safe return. Though we are not financially well, with his dedication I am confident that he will achieve much more in days to come. If government or some private firms come forward and encourage him by way of sponsoring, it will be good”.

Arjun will be taking part in the selection trials for World U-19 Wrestling Championship

Arjun who is fresh from winning silver medal in the World School Championship will be taking part in the selection trials in Delhi for the U-19 World Wrestling Championship which will be held in France in the last week of August. “Going by his performance there is all possibility that Arjun will be part of the Indian team which will be taking part in the U-19 World Championship,” added Shivanand, Arjun’s coach.