Media Release
Karkala, Dec 15: Shagun S Verma Hegde, captain of the Indian under-15 school girls’ volleyball team, was accorded a grand and warm welcome by her hometown and Christking Educational Institutions on her return to Karkala after representing India at the international level.
Shagun, a class 9 student of Christking English Medium High School, Karkala, led the Indian national team in the International School Games Federation (ISGF) under-15 Girls’ Volleyball Championship held in Shangluo, China, from December 3 to 13. Following the conclusion of the tournament, she arrived in Karkala, where she was felicitated with great enthusiasm.
A grand procession with traditional chende drums and band music was organised from Ananthashayana Circle to Christking Educational Institutions. Shagun was brought in an open jeep amid cheers from citizens, sports enthusiasts, and representatives of Christking Educational Institutions. Later, a felicitation programme was held at the Christking ground, where she was honoured.
Addressing the gathering, municipal councillor Shubhada Rao said that Shagun’s achievement of representing India at an international level at such a young age is a great inspiration to all. She attributed Shagun’s success to her continuous hard work, dedication, encouragement from her parents, and guidance from her coaches, and wished her more opportunities to serve the Indian national volleyball team in the future.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Peter Fernandes, member of the Christking Education Trust, said that Shagun’s success is the result of years of consistent effort and discipline. “Achievements in sports are not possible with a few months of practice; they require sustained dedication over many years. This honour brings pride to Karkala, and our institution will continue to encourage and support sporting talent,” he said.
Shagun was felicitated by the institution with volleyballs as a token of remembrance.
Among those present were Christking Education Trust secretary Aveline Lewis; Shagun’s father Sandesh Verma and mother Shrutiraj; coaches Santosh D’Souza, Jeevan D’Silva and Jairaj Poojary; Taluk Physical Education inspector Ravichandra Karanth; PU principal Lakshminarayana Kamath; High School headmistress Josna Snehalatha; Primary Section headmaster Rudolf Kishore Lobo, and others.