Jeremy Lalrinnunga wins India’s maiden gold medal at Youth Olympic Games
Buenos Aires, Oct 9 : Weightlifter Jeremy Lalrinnunga scripted history by winning India's maiden gold medal at the Youth Olympics, claiming the top honours in the men's 62kg category here.
The 15-year-old from Aizwal , who is also a world youth silver-medallist, lifted a total of 274kg (124kg +150kg) to finish on top in the Argentine capital on Monday night.
The silver medal went to Turkey's Toptas Caner, who lifted 263 kg (122kg+141kg), while Colombia's Villar Estiven Jose took the bronze with an effort of 260 kg (115kg+143kg).
The Mizo sensation, who will turn 16 on October 26, is being touted as the next big thing in Indian weightlifting.
Earlier this year, Lalrinnunga claimed a silver (youth) and a bronze (junior) in the Asian Championships, smashing two national records in the process.
His maiden gold also means that India are set to record their best ever performance at the Youth Olympics.
The country has already won four medals with Tushar Mane and Mehuli Ghosh bagging a silver each in 10m rifle shooting while Thangjam Tababi Devi won India's first medal in judo by finishing second in the 44kg category.
India won just two medals -- a silver and a bronze -- in the last Youth Olympics in 2014 in Nanjing in China. In the inaugural 2010 edition in Singapore, the nation fetched six silver and a couple of bronze medals.
While Lalrinnunga made the nation proud, weightlifter Sneha Soren could not finish on the podium in the women's 48kg category, signing off fifth.
In swimming, Srihari Nataraj, who competed in the 100m backstroke final despite being a reserve, could only manage a sixth position.
In other events, Archana Kamath and Manav Thakkar, India's representatives in table tennis, won their singles matches of the group stage.
Kamath beat Malaysia's Javen Choong 4-2 while Thakkar defeated Slovakia's Aleksandra Vovk 4-1. It was a big win for India in hockey as the team thrashed Austria 9-1.
Rising badminton sensation Lakshya Sen had it tough against Danylo Bosniuk in the first game before he regained his composure to beat the Ukrainian 23-21, 21-8.
The country is being represented by 47 athletes at the ongoing Games, its biggest ever contingent.
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Kannadigas Help Line aids stranded migrants in UAE amid war crisis
Dubai: ‘Kannadigas Help Line’ has stepped up its efforts in the UAE to assist Kannadigas affected by the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, by helping stranded individuals return home and providing food and shelter to those in distress.
The initiative, which was earlier formed to support Kannadigas during the Covid pandemic and floods, has resumed its activities to address the current crisis. Under the leadership of NRI entrepreneur Dr Ronald Colaco and coordination of Hidayath Addoor, the team has brought together more than 30 Kannada organisations in the UAE to extend support to affected individuals.
The team has been assisting stranded migrants, including those who are ill or without food and shelter, by visiting them and offering necessary help. Their efforts have been appreciated by the NRI community.
Speaking to the media, coordinator Hidayath Addoor said that more than 630 people who were unable to return to India were provided with flight arrangements and safely sent back home. He added that Dr Ronald Colaco had assured full financial support for arranging a chartered flight with 180 seats to evacuate elderly persons, pregnant women and those in need of urgent assistance.
He also said that Colaco extended financial help for medical treatment, including surgery for a stranded individual, and supported food arrangements for those in need. Medicines for 22 patients referred by the Indian Consulate were also provided using funds contributed by Colaco.
Arrangements were made to provide free food and accommodation for more than 235 people at hotels owned by Praveen Shetty and Isaq Haji in Dubai, and at a farmhouse owned by Dheeraj Jain in Ajman. Medical assistance was provided to 71 people through doctors at Rashid Hospital in Dubai, while 32 individuals were given medicines.
At the initial stage of the crisis, food was distributed to around 1,180 people, and 70 food kits were also provided. Transport arrangements were made to help affected individuals reach airports in Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and Abu Dhabi.
Several organisations joined hands with Kannadigas Help Line in this effort, including KNRI Forum UAE, Beary’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) UAE, Karnataka Sangha Dubai, Kannadigara Koota Dubai, Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha, Dubai Non-Resident Kannadigas, Hemmeya Dubai Kannada Sangha, Okkaliga Sangha Dubai, Kannada Paathashaala Dubai, Sharjah Karnataka Sangha, Dubai Konkanis, BCF, KCF, Manki Community, SKSSF Vikhaya UAE, Noorul Huda UAE Committee, Dubai Beary’s, Badriya Friends, Hidaya Foundation, Shamsul Ulama Thodar, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah Karnataka Sangha, Aim India Foundation, Darunnur, Gulf Karnataka Kutumba, Gulf Gelathiyaru, Mangalore Konkanis Dubai, Al Khamar Trust Mooluru, Okkaliga Sangha UAE and Rock Karnataka Sangha UAE.
In recognition of the team’s efforts, Dr Ronald Colaco hosted an Iftar gathering at his residence and appreciated the selfless service of the members along with their families.
He said that the spirit of unity and cooperation shown during the crisis should continue beyond difficult times and serve as a model for the future. He also called for celebrating national and state festivals together in the same spirit.
Colaco expressed hope that the message of unity demonstrated by the team, which worked beyond differences of region, language, class, caste and religion, would reach the homeland and help promote harmony and inclusive development.
On the occasion, Dr Ronald Colaco, Praveen Shetty, Isaq Haji, Dheeraj Jain and Madhav Kiran were honoured with mementos for their support to the initiative.
