Friday, Apr 19, 2024 | Last Update : 03:39 AM IST
Wonder boy
11-year-old Devi Sri Prasad Gandupalli has become the cynosure of all eyes after setting four Guinness records in Limbo skating.
In 1994, when a fortuneteller told Lokanatham, an AP State Govt. employee (Tirupathi), that he will be blessed with a boy who will create sensation, he didn’t pay much attention. After two decades, much to Lokanatham’s amusement, the prediction has come true. The boy is Devi Sri Prasad (11), who recently created four Guinness records in Limbo Skating — Forward and Backward Skating under 60 vehicles for 115.6 m, and Forward and Backward Skating under bars of 10 inches height for 184 m and 167 m respectively.
“I practiced for four hours every day. I injured my leg several times — suffered bruises, bleeding, cuts — but my parents gave me first aid. They are there with me during all my practice hours and continuously encourage me,” Devi expresses.
Apparently, Devi’s fascination towards skating started when he was 5. “When I took him for swimming, the authorities said he was not eligible, but Devi saw people practicing skating and that’s how his interest developed,” recalls Lokanatham, adding, “He was so passionate about the sport that three months from then he won a silver medal at the Open National Championship (at Dehradun). Since then, he has won numerous medals.”
Professor Kishore, Director of Physical Education, Acharya Nagarjuna University, felt that Devi could become an Olympic winner and referred him to Aaradhana Sharma (Sports Nutrition Consultant and Wellness Coach, Pune) who gives dietary advice to badminton star P.V. Sindhu.
“When Aaradhana saw me, she kissed me on the cheek and said ‘I am your fan and had been following you on Facebook’. I felt very happy,” beams Devi.
His father adds, “The diet plan she suggested was very expensive. We are a middle class family and can’t afford it. So Aaradhana agreed to be Devi’s dietitian and has also been looking for sponsorship. All Olympic aspirants had to undergo a medical check-up at the Army Sports Medical Institute (Pune). Devi had undergone all the medical tests, costing `5 lakh. I couldn’t afford it but seeing his talent, they provided everything free of cost. Even the medical commandant said he has never seen such a boy during his service.”
The international media, too, reported extensively about Devi’s incredible achievements and now he has his eyes set on the Olympics. “I know I need to complete 15 years to participate, so I am preparing for it,” says Devi.
