Hubballi: These 11 youths, aged between 18 and 21 years, are pursuing BA or BCom courses. As their parents are construction workers, street vendors and housemaids, they had to work in hotels, sometimes as bouncers or drivers, to meet family needs and support their households. However, they remained committed to training under a coach and have now been selected as Agniveers in the Indian Armed Forces, bringing recognition to a grassroots initiative that has functioned free of cost for the past 13 years. The recruits largely hail from middle-income and economically weaker families and have limited access to sports facilities and professional training. They credited the guidance and disciplined training programme of coach Mahantesh Ballari at Shree Karunya Sports Association (SKSA) for helping them realise their dream of joining the armed forces. The selected candidates said they are determined to continue working hard and aspire to rise to higher ranks in the military in the coming years.Amith Koppad, Varunkumar Yadawad and Mailari P Malladi, whose parents are construction workers, told TOI that without SKSA’s free training, they would not have been able to shape their future of serving the country. “We could earn while learning for our families and the free coaching kept us fit and focused,” they said.Abhishek Byahatti, a BA graduate from Hebasur village, said his parents own two acres of land and struggle to meet daily needs. “Hence, I worked as a catering worker on weekends and holidays. Ballari Sir provided accommodation and food over the last three years. His generosity has motivated me to give something back to society once I join the Army,” he said.Another candidate, Suraj Aili, said his father is an electrician and his mother a homemaker. “It was difficult to complete BCom, but I managed it with part-time jobs,” he said.Omkar Aladakatti said it was his last chance as he was nearing the age limit of 21. “While working with my father, who is a sugarcane juice vendor, I attended the coaching regularly and achieved success,” he said.Other candidates Kiran Indaragi, Vinay Prasad Kittur, Vinayak Shiraguppi, Kiran Gujamagadi and Jayant Battur affirmed that they are committed to working hard even after joining the Army. “As the Army retains 75% of candidates after four years of tenure, we are confident of continuing for the next 13 years. With the Union govt reserving 10% vacancies for Agniveers, that is another option for us,” they said.They recalled that Mahantesh Ballari, who faced an LPG leakage tragedy at home last year, did not stop the free coaching. “His wife Gangavva Ballari, also a physical education teacher, succumbed to injuries. Ballari sir and his two children suffered burn injuries for months. Despite all odds, he ensured proper training for us,” they shared.Seema Siddu Mogalishettar, corporator of Ward 39, said SKSA offers coaching despite challenges such as rain and winter in her ward.
