KIYG 2023: Living her mother’s dream, record breaking Kerala shot-putter Anupriya VS making a mark in junior circuit

Chennai, Jan 24: In a tale of determination, sacrifice, and the pursuit of a dream, Anupriya V S, an 18-year-old shot-putter from Kerala, has not only etched her name in the record books at the Khelo India Youth Games 2023 but has also fulfilled her mother's unrealised aspirations.

Anupriya's mother, Rajani, harboured dreams of becoming a shot-putter in her youth but had to relinquish that ambition due to a lack of familial support. However, when she observed her daughter's burgeoning interest in sports, Rajani saw an opportunity to revive that dream. KIYG Medal Tally

Encouraging the then 14-year-old Anupriya, who had initially excelled in running competitions at the school level, Rajani stepped into the role of her first coach and suggested she try her hand at throwing events.

Naturally, Anupriya embraced shot-put, with her mother playing the pivotal role of coach during the initial years. On Tuesday (January 23), the young athlete from Kerala secured her place in the history of the Khelo India Youth Games by winning the gold medal with a new meet record of 17.22m.

However, the journey to this triumph was anything but easy. Rajani, now a housewife, lacked formal coaching experience. To bridge this gap, Anupriya enrolled in the KC Throwing Academy in Kasaragod, led by coach KC Gireesh. As her potential became evident, the financial burden of training and travelling for competitions began to mount.

To meet these expenses, the family made significant sacrifices. Liquidating their assets, Anupriya's father, Sasi K, resigned from his job in a quarry to accompany her on her journey. The local community played a crucial role by providing financial aid through scholarships.

Anupriya made the most of this support by achieving remarkable success, winning bronze medals at the Asian Youth Championships in Uzbekistan and the 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games in Trinidad and Tobago.

Having secured a silver medal in the last edition of the Khelo India Youth Games, Anupriya set her sights on not just winning gold in Chennai but also etching her name in the record books.

An elated Sasi, Anupriya's father, expressed, "She was very determined for this event as this is her last chance to participate in the Khelo India Youth Games. Finally, she made it through her hard work and the blessings of coach and mother."

Rajani, who missed her chance to shine, now dreams of seeing her daughter make it to the Olympics. Anupriya, driven by the hunger to fulfill her mother's deferred dream, stated, "I came here with a goal, and I achieved it. I hope that if I continue this form, I can represent India at the Olympics, and that is my mother's dream."

As Anupriya pays tribute to her long-term coach and mother, her journey becomes an inspiring narrative of resilience, family support, and the pursuit of excellence in the world of sports.