Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)
Mangaluru, Jan 15: Golden girl, Apeksha from near Damaskatte in Kinnigoli here, who has bagged two gold medals in the 'Khelo India' sports tournament under progress at Pune, is desirous of representing India in Olympics. "I am very happy to have bagged these gold medals. My dream is to represent my country in Asian Games and Olympics. If such an opportunity comes my way, I will do everything within my command to make the best use of it. I have taken to swimming with the specific aim of earning laurels for India," she says.
Apeksha, who happens to be one of the two children of Dr Prof Belan Fernandes and Shalet Fernandes couple from near Arasaraguthu, Damaskatte, Kinnigoli, is studying in eighth standard at Bombay Scottish School. She has been representing Maharashtra in the above tournament. Apeksha,who competed in the under-17 category swimming event,
has bagged gold medal. She again won gold in the 200 metres freestyle on Monday in the same category. Apeksha also has been credited with being the youngest girl to achieve this feat.
"I have chosen this field to realize my dream of bringing fame to my country. If I get an opportunity to participate in national and international level competitions, I will work very hard to achieve the goal," she said.
Apeksha took to swimming since she was six. She has won several medals at district, state and national levels. Since the last two years, she is being trained under Dr Reddy. She also has been a good student, bagging prizes in essay and singing competitions. She is considered to be one of the best students of her institution.
Apeksha's father, Dr Belan, had completed his primary and secondary education in the local Pompei college before getting MTech degree through the then Karnataka Regional Engineering College Suratkal. He now heads the electrical department at Indian Institute of Technology there. Currently, no one resides at the family home at Kinnigoli. His elder brother, Richard, a professor, lives at Damaskatte and Dr Belan along with his family comes here during festivals.