The first ‘Goan’ gold in the National Games goes to Netravali’s Babu

SANGUEM: The remote village of Netravali has been rejoicing and celebrating since morning after news of local boy Babu Gaonkar becoming the first Goan to win a gold medal in the modern pentathlon at the 37th National Games underway in Goa went viral. Incidentally, it is a double celebration for Babu who also celebrates his birthday today.

Babu who has graduated from Government College Quepem, has been training in the village for the last many years by running on the non-paved road leading to Pali waterfall in the village and sometimes in the hilly areas of Verlem on a regular basis.

Babu Gaonkar has made Goa and his village proud of his achievement given the fact that he also won the silver medal in the relay race later in the day.

What is truly amazing is that the youngster, who is an avid runner, achieved this distinction despite the fact that he hails from a place where there is hardly any sporting facility available and it is only his talent and hard work that gave him these laurels.

Babu, who did not have much experience in shooting, practised this only for the last two months, with total dedication to achieve stunning results today.

His parents Arjun and Arpita are all praise for their son and feel proud of his achievements despite the many hurdles he faced. Arpita would often advise him against running constantly, probably succumbing to the motherly instincts of protecting her child, but Babu prevailed with his mission.

Incidentally, Arjun is a tractor mechanic, who is into agriculture, while Arpita is a homemaker.

It would be relevant to point out that Netravalli village has no sports facility worth naming and the only thing available is an incomplete playground, which hopefully will now be completed.

Earlier, Babu has won many marathons that he participated in at state level and inter-college levels which can be seen from the many trophies and medals adorning his house.

Local panchayat member Rakhi Naik complimented Babu on his achievement and said he is a true role model for the younger generation.

She announced an award of Rs 50,000 to Babu while also asserting that she should organise a programme to felicitate this youngster in the village very soon.

She also appealed to the government to provide basic sports facilities to youngsters in the villages so that more Babus could emerge from the hinterland.