BENGALURU
Kho Kho champion Gowtham MK stood proudly as he received the Karnataka Kreeda Ratna Award, but his thoughts went back to the days when his father could give him only Rs 10 as weekly pocket money. The 27-year-old athlete, son of an auto-rickshaw driver, has risen through years of struggle and hard work to reach this special moment.
Gowtham’s journey began in the 4th standard when his school physical training teacher, Mahadesh, noticed his talent. His father once dreamed of sending him to a private school, but financial challenges forced a change. Encouraged by his teacher, Gowtham joined sports at his government school and soon found his passion for Kho Kho. After the 8th standard, the Young Pioneers Sports Club supported both his training and education, helping him grow into a strong competitor.
Over the years, Gowtham has played more than 20 national-level tournaments and represented India in the 4th Asian Kho Kho Championship and the first Kho Kho World Cup, winning gold in both events. His performance in the 2018 India-Nepal Test series also helped him secure a government job in the Postal Department. Today, he proudly tells his father that he no longer needs to drive the auto-rickshaw, as Gowtham can support the family.
Another remarkable story comes from Kuruburu village in Mysuru district, where 22-year-old Chaithra B. also received the Kreeda Ratna Award. Coming from a humble farming family, she faced hardship when her father survived a venomous snakebite after multiple surgeries. Though she once considered quitting Kho Kho, she stayed determined to uplift her family.
Chaithra has played in over two dozen championships and shined in the first Kho Kho World Cup, winning the best player award. Both athletes symbolise how passion and perseverance can transform lives, inspiring many young players across Karnataka.