Srinivasa Gowda is nothing short of a celebrity right now. From being an unknown face from Southern India, he is now the talk of the town. How did that happen?
Well it all started when he ran a distance of 142.5m in 13.62 seconds in the kambala where one races with buffaloes. His speed was equivalent to 100m in 9.55 seconds, 0.03 seconds faster than Usain Bolt's world record. He became a sensation, Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju invited him for a trial. While the humble man has declined the invitation, there is still a chance that he might turn up after the kambala season ends.?
In the meantime another kambala jockey burst on the scene and broke the Indian Usain Bolt's record. Yes that is what Gowda is being called. Who is this man? Nishant Shetty covered 143m in 13.68 seconds which means it would take him 9.51 seconds to run 100m.?
Now both these men have speeds faster than Bolt's 9.58. But while Gowda became the source of everyone's attention, Shetty has barely got a whisper. No invitation nor any kind of felicitation. So why is this? Has the hype died? Or do people realise it's unfair to compare kambala to track racing to begin with.?
But regardless of the reason, should Shetty be invited for a trial as well? After all he broke the record of the man who was 'faster' than bolt. Should he be given the chance to prove himself??
It would sure be fun if we could see Gowda and Shetty race in kambala and on the track to determine who is quicker. Had they got Bolt in his prime the race may have been close for all we know.?
Maybe one trial would not hurt. But the fact remains that if athletes from rural areas to compete at the top level, they need proper training and facilities. Be it Gowda or Shetty, nobody becomes a Bolt without the right preparation. ??