HYDERABAD: If you had to put a hashtag to describe Adika Naga Siri Chandana, a Class III student of Dilshuknagar Public School at Kharmanghat, it would probably be superlatives like #StuntProdigy #KarateKid #KungfuChamp #PromisingTalent. Break 70kg stone on her tummy while she lies down or get a bike to run on her core muscles, she survives it all to emerge as a winner who stuns us all.
Siri has already garnered a long list achievements which is a sign of things to come. First place in All-India open martial arts championship, second place in 1st Telangana state level open karate and kungfu championship - 2014 and first place again in 2nd Telangana state open karate and kungfu championship - 2016 and so on.
In the recent past she has participated in the 18th FSKA World Cup Shotokan Karate Championship organized between 22nd Sep to 25th Sep at Mumbai and bagged Silver in Spiring and Bronze.
She has been learning karate since the age of 5 under sensei Samuel. He is a man who has lived his life fulfilling the aspirations of budding artists in this ancient field. Representing both power and peace, she holds Bruce Lee and late President Abdul Kalam as her role models in life. Having submitted for black belt tests, this little girl has mastered the usual tricks of the trade like having a pot smashed over her head, karate chopping a pile of bricks and much more.
Her parents Sudha and Venu are naturally proud of their pint-sized powerhouse. She says, “I love the fact that she is so passionate about karate. When I see her standing in those international contests, my heart jumps with joy.”
This prodigy comes from a modest family and enjoys maintaining the balance between her studies and her passion. She excels at academics and has always managed to stand first among equals.
“Each day I focus on my studies and ensuring that my day is as organised as it can be. Managing to give my best attempt at academics and still managing to eke out four hours of practice a day is something I struggle with. Sometimes, to escape the daily stress, I like to engage myself in drawing, cycling and swimming.” Her target is of course gold medal in the Olympics 2020. Right now, she is gearing up to participate in the International tournament to be held at Malaysia in February 2017.