Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2014: The smile that said it all
Prakash won a silver in 10 metres air pistol and returned to a hero’s welcome
By : manuja veerappa
Update: 2014-07-31 04:56 GMT
Bengaluru: A year ago, even the simple act of a smile was an arduous task for Prakash Nanjappa. Struck by Bell’s Palsy while competing at Granada, Spain, Nanjappa’s face was paralysed on the right side.
Overcoming the odds to bravely winning the silver at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow last weekend, Bengalurean Nanjappa’s tale is inspirational, and as he arrived at the Kempegowda International Airport on Wednesday evening, his exultant smile said it all. It was a testament to this man’s ability to bounce back from the depths.
Participating in his maiden Commonwealth Games, the Bengaluru marksman won a silver in 10 metres air pistol and returned, fittingly, to a hero’s welcome.
“It was a great welcome. Usually my family comes to receive me at the airport but today I didn’t expect so many people to be here to welcome me as well. This feels better than the medal-winning moment,” gushed the 38-year-old software engineer, who was overcome with emotion when his children Druthi and Danush hugged him.
Despite the achievement, Nanjappa is not in the mood for an over the top celebration. “I’m taking a small break, but this is not the time to celebrate, for this is not the end. It is a beginning of more medals to come, and I have to work towards it.”