Roller-skating coach at Sports Authority of Telangana State (SATS) Jitender Gupta has added another feather to his cap with his two protégés — Aryan Karra and Tarun Teja — being selected to represent India in the World Roller Games in Barcelona (Spain) from July 4 to 14.
To any visitor, the rink at L.B. Stadium presents a sorry sight, 90% of it being damaged and the space cramped. But about 80 skaters in different age groups train there daily. Ironically, the newly-laid rink at the tennis court, three times bigger in size than the existing one, is awaiting ‘formal inauguration’ for long.
But, Mr. Gupta, who has been training at the venue since 2006, is happy over the selection of Aryan and Tarun following their performances in the selection trials held by the Roller Skating Federation of India at Nandurbar (Maharashtra).
For the record, the coach has produced 14 internationals so far.
For both Aryan (16) and Tarun (19), the recognition is not all that sudden. They were bronze medallists (team event) in the 18th Asian roller skating championship in Korea last September, making critics take note of their growing reputation in the sport which not many kinds fancy taking up.
Girl selected
Another city girl, Sakshi Sagar Shah, has also been selected for the same world meet in roller free-style championship.
Aryan, son of actor-filmmaker Nagesh Karra and actress Preeti Nigam, is a student of St. Mary’s Junior College at Basheerbagh here, while Tarun, who was selected for the senior inline hockey team, has completed his graduation in ECE stream.
“They have the talent, grit and determination to go the distance. The best part is they are extremely hard-working and never complain of long hours of training,” says Jitender, a symbol of rare commitment and passion despite being a consolidated pay-and-play coach looking for better recognition on all fronts.
