Chikkamagaluru: With India bagging bronze in the mixed 4x100m relay at the Asian Games 2026, the Malnad region is in celebration mode as Sneha Shanuvalli, daughter of Satyanarayana and Shalini and a native of Shanuvalli, a tiny village in Koppa taluk, is one of the four sprinters in the Indian team that clinched the medal at Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.Hailing from a humble farming family, Sneha’s journey from the paddy fields of Koppa to the Asian Games podium has inspired many. Despite limited resources and training facilities, she pursued athletics with determination.Sharing her experience with TOI over a phone call, Sneha said it was her parents and coach who pushed her to achieve success. She said the Athletics Federation of India extended major support for her participation in the Asian Games.“I had great hopes of winning a medal in the women’s relay, but we finished fourth. However, we made it in the mixed relay,” she said, expressing happiness. She added that talents like her need minimum support from governments. “I did not get the required support at the initial stage,” she said.It was not an easy journey for Sneha or her family. Sneha battled multiple injuries and struggled due to a lack of practice facilities. During Covid, she had a tough time training and used to run barefoot on uneven terrain, said her cousin Sakshi Jayananda.Sneha had struggled hard without any support, but now she is appointed as Tax Assistant at Income Tax Department, Bengaluru.Her achievement has brought cheer to Chikkamagaluru and the wider Malnad region. Sweets were distributed in her native village after the win was announced.Congress MLC Arathi Krishna said, “As a native of Malnad, I feel Sneha’s achievement feels deeply personal. She proves that girls from our small villages can sprint onto the world stage. Shanuvalli is very near my grandmother’s village – to see a daughter from there win a medal for India at the Asian Games makes me incredibly proud. She is an inspiration for every Malnad girl who dares to dream big in sports.”The MLC, who served as Deputy Chairperson of the NRI Forum of Karnataka and AICC Secretary in charge of the Indian Overseas Congress Department, also appreciated her family members and assured support for Sneha to reach greater heights.Pallavi Deepak Yadthal, former director of Vokkaliga Sangha, said Sneha has a great track record and has brought laurels to the village. “Sneha is not just limited to the region; she is an asset to India. We have big plans for her once she arrives in the village. She was honoured a few years ago and now we will definitely plan something worthy,” Pallavi, who visited Sneha’s house, told TOI.President of India extend wishes:President Droupadi Murmu congratulated Gurindervir Singh, Sneha Shanuvalli Sathyanarayana, Animesh Kujur and Harita Bhadra on winning bronze in the mixed 4x100m relay. In a social media post, she said their strong teamwork and high speed have made the nation proud and wished that they continue to inspire young athletes with their dedication and excellence.
