Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (AJD)
Mangaluru, Feb 15: Accolades are pouring in for Srinivas Gowda, the Kambala star whose lightning fast sprint during the recent buffalo race at Moodbidri here has drawn comparisons with Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt, the fastest athlete on earth.
As reported earlier, a video of Gowda has gone viral, showing him cover the 100-meter run in just 9.55 seconds, surpassingg even Usain Bolt's record of 9.58 seconds.
Among those who shared the video was chairman of Mahindra Group Anand Mahindra. The business tycoon, who is well known for encouraging fresh talents and sharing unique videos, showered praises on the Kambala star.
On Saturday February 15, Anand Mahindra tweeted an article on Srinivasa Gowda, the 28-year-old is a construction worker who ran the distance of 143 meters at the Kambala at Aikala village, breaking the earlier record dating back to the early 1990s.
Mahindra tagged union sports minister Kiren Rijiju and tweeted, "Just one look at his physique & you know this man is capable of extraordinary athletic feats. Now either Kiren Rijiju provides him training as a 100m sprinter or we get Kambala to become an Olympic event. Either way, we want a gold medal for Srinivasa! (sic)."
Kiren Rijiju was quick to respond and even called him for trials. "I'll call Karnataka's Srinivasa Gowda for trials by top SAI Coaches. There's lack of knowledge in masses about the standards of Olympics especially in athletics where ultimate human strength & endurance are surpassed. I'll ensure that no talents in India is left out untested," he tweeted.
BJP general secretary P Muralidhar Rao also tagged Rijiju and urged him to make arrangements to provide Gowda proper training. "India will rise and shine the Indic way! 100 meters in just 9.55 sec is an amazing feat. Proper training to Srinivas Gowda will definitely help him to make name for the country. My best wishes," he said.
In response, Kiren Rijiju again tweeted informing that officials of Sports Authority of India (SAI) had already contacted the Kambala jockey and booked his train ticket. "Yes @PMuralidharRao ji. Officials from SAI have contacted him. His rail ticket is done and he will reach SAI centre on monday. I will ensure top national coaches to conduct his trials properly. We are team @narendramodi ji and will do everything to identity sporting talents!" he tweeted.
Shashi Tharoor had earlier tweeted: "Faster Than Usain Bolt? Karnataka Man Running With Buffaloes Covers 100 Metres in Just 9.55 Seconds. I urge the Athletics Association of India to take this man under their wing & make an Olympic champion of him. Wonder how many hidden talents we have!"