Mandya: District authorities on Friday felicitated para-athlete KS Shilpa, who won a bronze medal in the shot put event at the Commonwealth Games, acknowledging her achievement as a source of pride for the country. The felicitation was organised jointly by the district administration, zilla panchayat, department of women and child development, Para Olympics Association, Mandya, and workers of the Rural Rehabilitation Project.Speaking at the programme, zilla panchayat CEO KR Nandini praised Shilpa for overcoming challenges through determination, hard work and a positive outlook. She said the athlete’s journey demonstrated that physical disability should never become a barrier to ambition or achievement. Nandini stressed the need for society to identify, encourage and nurture the talents of persons with disabilities and provide them equal opportunities.“Sports are not merely about winning medals. They teach discipline, perseverance, commitment and self-confidence, while helping children learn to handle both victory and defeat,” she said, while emphasising that sports should get equal importance along with education. Geethalakshmi, deputy director, women and child development department, along with senior ZP and district officials and sports personnel, were present.
