World Youth Cup Karate Champion
Anandhakannan who clinched the bronze in the first edition of the World Youth Cup Karate Championship in Greece recently. When Anandhakannan, along with two other karatekas from the City, left for the Chalkida, Evia Island, in Greece for the World Youth Cup not many gave them even a ghost of a chance to strike a medal. But, Anandha surprised them all by clinching the kata bronze. The Plus Two student of GRG MHSS, however, wasn’t happy as he had eyed for the gold. “I lost to the eventual champion from the host nation in the semifinal. It was not because I wasn’t up to the challenge, but because my belt dropped when it mattered the most,” said Anandha. “I really don’t know what happened but I feel too much hip movement cost me dear,” he added. Still, he was appreciated for his body language, style and grace.Talking about his championship experience, he said he had just one thing in mind – to give his best and impress the judges. “Most of the participants were practising pretty hard two days before the championship but I preferred to strengthen my mental make up.
However, on the all-important day, I did an hour’s warm up, prior to my turn, and it helped me a great deal,” said Anandha.He pointed out that it was an amazing experience inside the ring. “The hall was packed but I could only see me, my country’s flag and the judges. For the first time, I also turned to the Almighty with folded hands. It worked wonders because I could feel that extra power in me,” he added.After having clinched the medal, Anandha desperately looked for a telephone to convey the good news to his loved ones but sadly found none.
However, his disappointment was short-lived as he was soon going to be surprised with a huge welcome back home. “I never expected that. I felt like a king.”He thanked his trainers Paul Vickraman, Sonika Vickraman, Neil Moses, Balasubramanian and Sinodh, his family and, above all, his school principal, R. Ravi. “Mr. Ravi not only applauded my effort but also honoured me with the rare post of a Sports Captain,” said Anandha. “This post was created specially for him because we wanted to let him know how proud we all felt,” said Ravi.
World Cup silver medallist Sonika was equally thrilled. Her face said it all. “I have won so many medals at the international level but I have never felt as excited before.” Anandha’s mother S.G. Manjula could not hide her emotions either . “To be frank, I wept with joy when the message was conveyed to me. I am happy that my son had done the country proud. Now, I am confident that he will bring back many such moments for all of us.”
