BENGALURU: A decade and a half of relentless struggles, triumphs, and turbulent moments flashed through the memory of Gowtham MK, the dedicated Kho Kho athlete, as he stood proudly receiving the prestigious Kreeda Ratna Award from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

“As I accepted the award, I couldn’t help but think of the mere Rs 10 pocket money my father used to give me once every week”, reflected the 27-year-old Gowtham. His father, Kapani Gowda, has spent his life driving an autorickshaw to support his family, which includes his wife, Gowtham himself, and his sister, as per a release from the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI).

Gowtham’s journey in Kho Kho began when he was in the 4th standard. “My father had dreams of getting me admitted to a private convent school because he believed tha

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