This athlete from Telangana fought all odds to pursue her dreams
Harika Devi Antaram from Narayanpet won two bronze medals in the recent inter-state athletics meet held in Patiala
Hyderabad: The sheer presence of star sprinter Dutee Chand at the Gachibowli Stadium inspires many young athletes to the sport. One of the many such starry-eyed girls is Harika Devi Antaram, who finally broke the jinx and won not one but two bronze medals in the inter-state athletics meet in Patiala after being placed fourth in eight national-level meets.
This indeed is a testament of her resilience as she had fought against all odds including financial constraints and failures to reach the realms of glory. She clinched bronze in 200m in 24.54s and was also part of the Telangana relay squad that came third behind India and Sri Lanka teams.
Her perseverance finally paid off. “I never gave up. I was frustrated whenever I came fourth or missed a medal. But I went on working hard before I could win a medal,” said Harika.
Daughter of a small-time farmer (A Hanmanthu and Parvarthama) of Annasgar village of Damargidda mandal of the newly created Narayanpet district, this 24-year-old athlete was encouraged by her Physical Education teacher Ramana, who saw talent in her in school meets.
The coach felt that Harika can make a mark in big competitions and forced her to move to Hyderabad to make use of better facilities despite reluctance in the family because of the financial problem.
“I had to convince my father before moving to Hyderabad in 2014. Once in the city I struggled financially but I never gave up in my dream to run and win medals in big meets,” said Harika.
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