VIZIANAGARAM: The otherwise sleepy village of Kondavelagada in Nellimerla mandal, near Vizianagaram town, erupted in joy Friday when the daughter of the soil Santoshi Matsa brought laurels to the country by winning the bronze medal in the 53 kg weightlifting category at the ongoing Commonwealth Games 2014 being held at Glasgow. The celebrations continued Saturday as well with several VIPs, including rural development minister Kimidi Mrunalini, visiting the village to congratulate the family members of the medal winner.
The daughter of a jute mill worker at Nellimerla, Santoshi had always been interested in sports, according to her father Ramarao. “She was coached by Challa Ramu and worked hard every day in a shed in the village along with other weightlifters. Now, her hard work has paid off,” he said, proudly. The youngest of the three sisters with a younger brother, she is currently pursuing her Intermediate at the Government Junior College in Nellimerla.
The government announced a house site and financial assistance for the bronze medalist.