Coimbatore Girl K Darshini, a 8 year old and a student of Yuvabharathi Public School, Kanuvai is creating waves in the field of Sports across Tamil Nadu. Darshini, the young skating champion from Coimbatore was bestowed with the most prestigious award “Pride of Tamil Nadu Award” in the Sports category in a star studded awards night. The award was presented to Darshini in the emerging category for her achievements and contribution in the field of Sports and in particular Skating.
Pride of Tamil Nadu award is an initiative by Round Table to identify, recognize and celebrate talents from Tamil Nadu in various fields. Personalities across ï¬elds were awarded with a title “PRIDE OF TAMIL NADU 2017” - recognition for all the hardships and challenges that went into carving themselves, and also inspiring the next generation not only to be successful but also make Tamil Nadu proud.
Former Chief Election Commissioner T.S. Krishnamurthi and Actor Vishal presented the awards to IAS officers P. Amudha and K. Vijayakartikeyan, Bharatanatyam exponent Padma Subrahmanyam, Pianist Anil Srinivasan, Actor Siva Karthikeyan, Music Director Anirudh Ravichander and Journalist Madhan. From the field of sports, former Indian hockey captain Baskaran was awarded in the Achiver category.
The Awards were presented under the categories of Agriculture, Art & Culture, Entertainment (Actor and Technician), Food & Beverages, Administrative Services, Journalism, Literature, Healthcare, NGOs, Retail, SME, Education, Sports & Start-ups.
More than 800 + nominations have been received from various parts of Tamil Nadu and Jury has short listed top-3 emerging personalities for public voting. More than 47000 people voted through website and FB. Finalists of emerging categories were selected based on percentage of voting amongst nominations.
The jury included Prince of Arcot Nawab Mohammed Abdul Ali, Kasturi and Sons Limited Director Nirmala Lakshman, Ma – Foi Group of Companies Co-Founder Latha Pandiarajan, Pro Chancellor of Sathyabama University, Dr. Mariazeena Johnson, Thenandal Films CEO Hema Rukmani and Creative leader in Media and Entertainment V. Chandrasekar.
Receiving the Pride of Tamil Nadu awards, Darshini said,"I am studying in 2nd standard in Yuva Bharathi School in Coimbatore. It is a proud moment for me and I am really happy to be here in this occasion. Without the strong support of my parents, teachers and well wishers, I wouldn’t have able to achieve this significant recognition in my skating competitions. With the blessings from one and all, I will scale new and greater heights in my career.”
At the age of 6years, Darshini have entered the India Book of Records and Asia Book of Record by finishing a distance of 10.5 kms in 41.03 Min in the event titled “Quarter Skating Marathon”. Tamil Nadu Speed Skating Association (TNSSA) mentioned this is a first of its kind in Asia where a girl under 7 has set a world record.
Darshini who has been rolling on skating from her LKG was finetuned under the guidance of her coach Thangadurai for more than six months with an eye to create a record. Yuvabharathi Public School correspondent Mr. Anand has been encouraging the little skating star to scale new heights by allowing her to practice at the school skating rink.
Proud Father and Mather of Darshini, Mr. Kamala Kannan and Mrs. Uma Maheswari thanked the mentors, guide, Yuvabharathi School principal and the organizers for this award which is a significant milestone in the career of their daughter.
Darshini have won gold medal in 150m and 500m during the Coimbatore District Roller Skating Championship held in 2014 besides took part at the state level event for Tamil Nadu State Roller Skating championship in 2014. Other event she had took part and brought laurels include bronze medal in 500m in Tamil Nadu State Roller Skating Championship in 2015 in Chennai and two gold medals in 150m and 500m taking part at Second South Zone Open State Roller Skating Chamionship 2015 held in Puducherry, gold medal in 6th West Zone Open State Roller Skating Championship 2015, two gold medals held in Chennai event, two gold medals in TN Students Olympic Association held in Namakkal, gold and silver medals at Coimbatore district level event and gold and bronze medals in state level event held in Chennai in 2014.
About Round Table India
Round Table India is an organization comprising businessmen and other professionals engaged in community service. The award honored achievers in 14 categories, with two being awarded in each category. Round Table India will contribute 100% of the funds raised from the Pride of Tamil Nadu towards construction of classrooms for underprivileged Children. Team Madras South Round Table 39, a part of Round Table India will identify the schools that need assistance to improve their infrastructure or the schools who require assistance to improve their standards.