Karnataka’s Usain Bolt: Cannot be compared to world champion, I’m only running in a paddy field
The sprinter, Srinivasa Gowda, from Karnataka, who left everyone awestruck with his pace after which he was compared to world’s fastest sprinter Usain Bolt, said he cannot be compared to the world champion as he is running only in a paddy field
FollowMangaluru: Leaving spectators awestruck, Karnataka's Srinivasa Gowda ran 142.5 meters in 13.62 seconds at traditional buffalo race Kambala, following which people started comparing him to former Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt.
Gowda, who is from Mudbidri town, accomplished the feat during a Kambala race in a paddy field in Kadri on February 1.
"People are comparing me to Usain Bolt. He is a world champion, I am only running in a slushy paddy field," said Srinivasa Gowda.
People took to social media and drew a parallel between him and Bolt. Twitterati hailed Gowda and his accomplishment on the muddy grounds.
Also read: This Karnataka man has run faster than Usain Bolt; check out his incredible record
Meanwhile, Srinivasa will meet Karnataka chief minister BS Yediyurappa on Monday but he is not sure about his participation in trial at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) centre in Bengaluru, which was arranged by Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Kiren Rijiju.
"I do not know whether I will run in trial tomorrow or not but I will be in Bengaluru tomorrow to meet the CM. I need to consult my Kambala academy mentor. I need to rest also," Gowda told on Sunday. Gowda participated in various Kambala competitions in the last two days and now wants some time for rest.
Kambala is an annual buffalo race held in the southwestern state of Karnataka.
Traditionally, it is sponsored by local Tuluva landlords and households in the coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi.
"I'll call Karnataka's Srinivasa Gowda for trials by top SAI Coaches. There's lack of knowledge in masses about the standards of Olympics especially in athletics where ultimate human strength & endurance are surpassed. I'll ensure that no talents in India is left out untested," Union Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju had tweeted on Saturday.
