State record set seven years ago broken by auto driver's daughter; Sona has potential to win an Asian medal, but needs sponsors

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The discus flew fast. Mohan's heart beat even faster. Sona's throw landed. A new meet record was born. What greater gift could a father, who is putting aside financial worries and riding an auto for his daughter's gold medal, get...

Kasaragod girl Sona became a superstar by throwing 38.64 meters in the junior girls' discus throw at the state school sports meet. She is a Plus One student at Kuttamath G.H.S.S. She broke the record of 37.49 meters set by Thrissur's Atulya seven years ago.

Mohan is an auto driver. He drives his daughter 28 km twice a day for her training. He drives an auto from his house in Kari to the KC Throws Academy in Cheruvathur in the morning and evening. He waits until the training is over and returns with his daughter. This has been going on for months.

Sona has thrown 40.80 meters during training. She won silver in this event last time. Sona also won gold in the state junior athletic meet this time. She has played at the state level in rugby. Sona changed her event after realising her talent in discus. Her sister Nihara is a second-grader.

Looking for a sponsor

Sona's family does not have their own house. They live in Sona's mother Soumya's family house. The three lakh rupees they saved to build a house were spent on her daughter's training and other things. Mohan's trips from the autostands are hampered because he has to take his daughter to training every day. Sona had to borrow money to travel to Thiruvananthapuram. Mohan wants to take Sona's sports career to greater heights. This can only happen if there is the kindness of good people.

Sona is technically perfect. If she continues to train well, she is capable of winning an Asian medal

KC Girish,

Coach