Udupi district administration felicitates Gururaja Poojary

Udupi, Aug 07, 2022: Udupi district administration felicitated Gururaja Poojary, who won a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Game- 2022.

Gururaja Poojary of Kundapur was accorded a grand welcome by the district administration at Mahatma Gandhi Maidan in Ajjarakadu on his arrival from the Commonwealth Games.

The felicitation program was presided over by Deputy Commissioner Kurma Rao M. Additional DC Veena B. N. Municipal Commissioner Dr. Uday Shetty, Assistant Director, Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports Roshan Kumar Shetty felicitated Gururaja Poojary.

Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner Kurma Rao M lauded Gururaja Poojary for winning a medal at the Commonwealth Games during the Amrit Mahotsav year. 

“He has made Udupi’s name famous. His achievements have always been an inspiration to the youth and sportspersons of the district. Gururaj has shown that talent from rural areas can excel even at the international level,” the DC said.

He added that the district has good stadiums and sports facilities and sportspersons should use these facilities to excel.

Gururaja Poojary said that he had worked hard for four years to win a silver at this year’s Commonwealth Games.

He fell ill after moving to Birmingham and it was doubtful to participate in the Games.

“But with the guidance of the coach, self-confidence, and everyone’s wishes, I was able to participate in the competition and win the bronze medal amidst intense competition. This is the first time the country has won a medal in the 61kg category of weightlifting. I would like to thank all those who encouraged me to achieve this feat,” he said.

“When I won a medal at the last Commonwealth Games, the district administration and the people of the district honored me. If athletes work hard with a definite goal, they can make achievement. 

Gururaja Poojary’s father, wife, sportspersons of Ajjarakadu Sports Residential School, and others were present on the occasion.