KHAMMAM: A lorry driver’s income is limited. His son’s ambition is not. Chebrolu Chennakesava has developed a keen interest in football and worked hard to establish himself as a promising young player — and now he has earned a place in the Telangana State Under-19 team for the national SGFI championship.
Chennakesava, a native of V Venkatayapalem village in Raghunadhapalem mandal of Khammam district, will represent Telangana at the All India School Games Federation (SGFI) Under-19 Football Championship, scheduled to be held in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands from December 10.
The eldest son of Shiva Krishna, a lorry driver who struggles to support his family on a limited income, Chennakesava is pursuing his first year of Intermediate in Khammam town. Despite the family’s financial constraints, he has worked hard to hone his football skills and has participated in several district- and state-level competitions.
Encouraged by his parents and guided by his coaches, he has steadily improved his performance. His father said Chennakesava’s selection to the Telangana State Under-19 team was a significant achievement and recognition of his efforts over the years.
Merit, meet hardship
However, the family is struggling to meet the expenses of sending him to the national championship. It needs around Rs 31,000, an amount his father finds difficult to arrange from his earnings as a lorry driver. Without financial assistance, Chennakesava risks missing the opportunity despite earning his place in the team on merit.
Speaking to TNIE, Chennakesava said financial constraints were making it difficult for him to pursue his sporting ambitions. Support from donors, he said, could help him make the most of the opportunity and achieve greater things in football.
His father has appealed to philanthropists, voluntary organisations, sports enthusiasts and others to contribute towards the expenses. He said even small donations would help his son represent the state in the national championship.
