Guwahati: It looks like India may have found its answer to Usain Bolt, the fastest man on the planet. In a viral video doing rounds on social media, a Karnataka man, identified as Srinivasa Gowda is seen running a 100-metre stretch in just 9.55 sec, beating Bolt’s world record of 9.58 sec.
Though the claims are of a meager difference of .03 sec, Gowda has taken the internet by storm. According to reports, he was participating in Kambala, an annual buffalo race held in Karnataka.
Taking recognition of the desi Bolt, Mahindra group chairman, Anand Mahindra, “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!”
To which, the union sports minister replied: “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.”
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. https://t.co/ohCLQ1YNK0
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) February 15, 2020
Also, BJP national general secretary P Murlidhar Rao appreciated Gowda’s potential. He said, “Proper training to Srinivas Gowda will definitely help him to make name for the country.”
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Replying to Rao, Rijiju said that Gowda has already been contacted by SAI officials, his rail tickets are done, and he will be reaching SAI centre on Monday. He added, “I will ensure top national coaches to conduct his trials properly. We are team @narendramodi ji and will do everything to identity sporting talents!”
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! https://t.co/RF7KMfIHAD
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) February 15, 2020
This is not the first time that potential athletic talents have been identified thanks to viral videos on social media. Earlier last year, a somersaulting duo from Kolkata had become an international internet sensation. Romanian gymnast Nadia Comaneci, an Olympic gold medallist took appreciated the duo. She tweeted their video saying, “This is awesome”.
Even then, Rijiju was quick to reply and he put SAI in action to explore a career in gymnastics for the kids.
I’m happy that @nadiacomaneci10 tweeted it! As first gymnast who scored perfect 10.0 at the 1976 Montreal Olympics, and then, received six more perfect 10s to win three gold medals, it becomes very special. I’ve urged to introduce these kids to me. https://t.co/ahYVws8VCB
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) August 30, 2019