Girisha's one-legged leap for a billion

Chandra Prabhu | NT

Bengaluru: Eleven years ago, in a packed London Stadium, amongst three men in a podium, an Indian stood, only below the gold medallist.

"Hosanagara Nagarajegowda Girish," read the final podium display.

That same man continues to pursue sports, despite encountering life threatening difficulties.Constant ridicules and doubt has done nothing but increase his hunger to achieve more.

H N Girisha spoke to News Trail after his selection trials for the National Paravolley team in Malleshwaram.

 A tired face, but eyes still bright. He was excited to recite his story. A Libero, Girisha has won laurels both in state and national level tournaments.

He now looks to earn his berth in the National team, after featuring for India in the Asian zone Paravolley tournament. His individual career as a high jumper, which spanned across 15 years, had ups and downs. It all started off in a village in Hassan when a young and naughty Girisha attempted to persuade his parents to not go to school.

"I wanted to go with them to functions, " he added. "My father started running after me, until I managed to jump the compound of the village."

This moment was when the entire village had their eyes stuck on him. He called himself a "compound jumper", before making his mark in school games. Girisha's baby steps were difficult. A Silver medal in the state-level high jump tournament in Dharwad, and an incredible bronze in the Mysore University sports games.

"In the University Games, I was not allowed to participate at first, due to my disability", he said. That night, Girisha thought everything was over. His college mates had recommended Girisha to the sports director, and he, a lad then, turned into a man, clinching the bronze.

Girisha vividly explained his history making leap. His jump of 1.74m in the event was enough to get him on the podium. One thing he is proud of is the promotion of para athletes in India.

"The reason why we have over 19 paralympic medal winners is because of the early efforts and the medals that were brought home. Now, Governments and sports organisations are happy to support them, and I am proud that I have played a huge role" he remarked.