Hubballi: Ananya Hiremath, a final-year student of Govt First Grade College in Gudageri village of Kundgol taluk and a talent from Haralapur village, secured first place at the 6th National Yoga Championship organised by the ministry of youth affairs and sports’ Yogasana Bharat held in Chhattisgarh. She won a gold medal for the state and earned appreciation. Ananya secured gold in traditional yoga in the senior category.She started practising yoga and Mallakamba from the age of 5 and participated in many competitions. She studied primary education and, for the 5th standard, joined Alva’s Educational Institution, where she also practised yoga and Mallakamba along with her studies. Then she studied at Govt High School, Haralapur and scored 96% in the SSLC examination. Now, she is pursuing a BA degree at Govt First Grade College, Gudageri.Her father, Sambayya Hiremath, is a senior folk artiste and Karnataka Janapada Academy Awardee, and her mother, Anu Hiremath, is a govt school teacher.Ananya told TOI that representing Karnataka in the nationals is an honour and a proud achievement, and winning a gold medal for the state is even more gratifying for her. She said, “The achievements couldn’t be realised without the support of my parents, brother, coaches, teachers, family, and friends.” Ananya achieved success under coach Basavaraj Bhandiwad in the Mallakhamb sport.Sambayya said that she is a bright student and excels in both education and sports. He expressed that their family atmosphere enabled her to achieve success in sports, and they feel proud of her.Karnataka Yogasana Sports Association national coach Ranjith G D said that a total of 28 states participated in the event. Approximately 21 members represented the state. He emphasised that yoga should be given priority in govt departments.
