He Has Won For India, Yet Lacks Funds To Continue Making Us Proud

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Updates (3)

“I dropped out of my MBA course in the final semester. The project required me to give very less time to skating. I could not stay out of practice for a month. I knew my ultimate goal was to make a mark for my country in my sport.”

Raghavendra Somayaji is a skater by passion and now by profession. Born to a middle-class family, a career in sports was not an easily available option to him, but with exceptional talent and dedication, Raghav grew up to get noticed and appreciated for his sport – Skating.

A happy father, he still dedicates 15 hours of his day to his passion:

Raghav has a 2-year-old daughter and is very devoted to his family, but he ensures he dedicates at least 15 hours every day to his passion. He starts his day at 5 am and trains rigorously till 7.30. At about 9, he begins his day at a school where he works as a coach for skating. After school, he runs evening coaching classes till around 6.30pm. Post this, he again trains with a senior batch of champions till almost 8.30. He also goes to the gym regularly to ensure he keeps his body fit for his sport. His day only ends at 10 pm.

“I can only go to bed a happy man when I have tired myself entirely, having given all I can to my sport.”

Today, he has been winning gold in national and international championships for over 10 years.

Raghav has participated in over 8 National championships for Roller skating and another 8 for ice-skating. He has also represented India in 4 International championships in roller skating and 7-8 in ice-skating amidst 700-800 participants from across the globe.

Unfortunately, Raghav missed 2 big international championships due to a lack of funds.

“ I could have participated in many more, but there have been times when I was not able to participate in a championship because I did not have enough funds to even make it to the venue. This is the worst feeling for a sportsman: when you know you can do it, and have all that it takes, but do not have the funds to travel to another place to participate. That is a limitation that does injustice to your dedication,” Raghav recalls.

Now, he has been selected for the World Roller Games, Nanjing, China.

Raghav has another chance to prove himself and our country in International sports. He has been selected for the World Roller Games, to be held in the first and second week of September in Nanjing, China.

Since this is an international trip, Raghav is finding it difficult to arrange funds to be able to make it for the game.

How you can support Ragha

With some support, Raghav will be able to make it to the championship, and give his best there!

Details for direct bank transfer / UPI payments

Bank Account details: Click here

This is my selection letter from Roller skating fedaration of India.

Details for direct bank transfer / UPI payments

Bank Account details: Click here

Ask for an update

30th October 2017

Thank you so much for the support it mattered a lot to my result. My best placing was 33rd in world roller games and I will be training for next year Asian games, Asian championship and world championship. Your support will help me reach my goal. Thank you very much all the support I'm getting from all of you people.

Regards
Raghavendra

18th September 2017

Hello everyone,

Thank you all for the support. I finished my world Roller games. Sorry I couldn't keep you all posted as Google is banned in China, so I couldn't update anyone. My best position in world Roller games was 5th in 1000mts heats in which I did my personal best of 1.27 mins And 33rd in 300mts track race in which again I did my personal best of 26.75secs. All your support really mattered a loot. THANK YOU ALL.

Regards
Raghavendra GV

17th August 2017

Hi everyone,

Thank you so much for the support from everyone. I'm leaving for the Indian team camp to Delhi from there we will be leaving to China by 24th or 25th Sept. I need all your wishes to give my best.

Thank you once again for the support.

Regards
Raghavendra