PONDA: Whatever your mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve a quote famously uttered by Napolean Hill. The words turned to reality for 17-year-old athlete Sakshi Kale, a resident of Usgao who is 75 percent blind since birth but never made this disability her weakness.
Saskhi became the first blind Goan athlete to clinch a gold medal in long jump in the T12 blind category, at the 29th Para Athletics National championship held in Bhubaneshwar, recently.
“I started my career in football when I was in the third grade. I am looking to build a career in football and practice at GFDC Kandepar under the guidance of Franky Mendonsa. I was the captain of my U-14 School team. Accidentally, I also tried my luck at athletics and flourished.”
Kale who is a student of GVM Farmagudi, Ponda has participated in the 29th National championship, held in Bhubaneshwar, Orissa where she took part in 100 metres, 200 metres, and long jump.
“Despite having just 3 months to prepare for this competition, I clinched a gold medal in long jump and silver medal in 200 metres. I managed to finish in fourth place in 100 metres,” she explained.
Sakshi who use to be accompanied by her sister initially for training from Usgao to Bambolim Athletic Stadium now travels by herself every day.
“I am 75 per cent blind by birth but never made it my weakness. I always played and practiced football and athletics with normal players,” Sakshi informed.
The 17-year-old humbly credits her success to her coaches along her journey, “I practised under coach Snehal More for running at Ponda Sports Complex. I had to travel to GMC Athletic Stadium for long jump practice under Coach Devi Gaonkar as there was no provision for long jump practice in Ponda. I am also grateful to Sir Jayant Honnavar who taught me table tennis and also to Sir Sandeep Naik who assisted me by providing football and athletic kits.”
“Sakshi Kale has been with us at the GFDC centre, Khandepar from the past four years. Leaving aside her shortcomings, we have always treated her equally,” said coach Franky Mendonca.
“She loves the game and always works hard and attends practice everyday. She is also good in her studies too,” said the Ponda coach.
“When it comes to football Ponda is looked at as backward but it’s not true. We have a lot of talent in football that can go the distance. However, we do not have proper facilities in our constituency where the talent can practice,” he commented.
“My future plan is to reach the top in football and athletics. My advice to the youth is that education and sports should go hand in hand,” said Sakshi who urged other children to strike a rhythm of balance in life.
