After winning 3 golds in World Carrom Championship, TN girl appeals for home, job
The World Cup, which saw participation from 150 players across 17 nations, witnessed a dominant performance by the Indian women's team, featuring Tamil Nadu players Keerthana, M Khazima, and V Mithra.
World Carrom Champions at the Chennai Airport
CHENNAI: Back home after putting up a spectacular performance at the 7th Carrom World Cup in the Maldives, where she won three golds, L Keerthana from Tamil Nadu appealed to the authorities for a house and a government job to support her impoverished family.
The World Cup, which saw participation from 150 players across 17 nations, witnessed a dominant performance by the Indian women's team, featuring Tamil Nadu players Keerthana, M Khazima, and V Mithra.
Keerthana emerged as the star of the tournament, winning three medals, including singles, doubles, and also in the team event. She won gold in the Women's Singles by defeating fellow Indian Kajal Kumari. Later, teaming up with Kumari, she secured another gold in the Women's Doubles, and was also part of the four-member women's team that won the Team Event gold.
Tamil Nadu players shone brightly at the event. Besides Keerthana’s triple gold, Khazima won a gold, silver, and bronze, while Mithra bagged a gold and a silver.
The team landed in Chennai on Sunday to a rousing welcome organised by the Tamil Nadu Sports Development Authority. The young stars’ family members were also present.
While expressing pride in winning three golds for India, an overwhelmed Keerthana also highlighted her family's dire circumstances. "Our family is very, very poor. I could only study up to Class 10. I request a government job,” she said. Revealing that there was no space for all members of the family to sleep, she also appealed to the authorities to provide them a house.
It was Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin’s support that ensured that she could take part in the World Cup. "When I was worried about how I would go to the competition, considering our family's situation, the Deputy CM provided Rs 1.5 lakh. Only because of that was I able to go to the Maldives and compete," she recalled.
Ending on an inspirational note, she said, "Just as I have competed, won, and brought glory for the nation, I hope other youth from Tamil Nadu will also come forward enthusiastically to play for the country, win medals, and bring honour."