Asiad gold brings 'power' to athlete's home

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Gold medal at the Asian Games has literally brought 'power' to the home and village of women Kabaddi team member Sharmi Ulahannan, thanks to the intervention of Kerala Electricity Minister A K Balan.

As soon as he came to know from media that power was yet to reach Sharmi's remote village of Manhuchal in Kasargode District in north Kerala, he issued orders to extend electricity to the hamlet, benefiting 65 other families also.

"I don't know how to thank the minister. We have been waiting for this moment for over two decades," Sharmi, who called on Balan here yesterday, said.

"Don't consider this just as a personal gain. This has been the long-pending dream of an entire village," Sharmi said.

Balan said this was one of the happiest moments since he became a Minister.

"Sharmi is a promising sportsperson and the government will do everything to support her," he added.

Sharmi was part of the Indian women's team made a memorable debut in the Asian Games held in Guangzhou, China, with a comprehensive win over Thailand to grab the gold.

Keywords: Asiad, sports news, asian games, Kabaddi , Gold medal