PANAJI
The 22-year-old Netravali-Sanguem boy Babu Gaonkar has made Goa proud by winning the first Gold medal in a sport that’s not much familiar in India “ Modern Pentathlon in the ongoing 37th National Games. Started on October 26, the games would continue till November 9.
Babu began practicing two-and-a-half months ago for the game under the training of coach Nilesh Naik and participated in it for the first time. Modern Pentathlon is an Olympic style event held in five cities in Goa “ Mapusa, Margao, Panaji, Ponda, and Vasco. Babu won the top honour in biathlon involving running and shooting. This sport consists of fencing, swimming, riding, shooting, and running.
“I started full-fledged training in the month of August. I am good at running but was doubtful about shooting. But my coach Nilesh Naik supported me, and I could make it,” shared Babu Gaonkar, who hails from a humble family in remote Sanguem taluka. A graduate from the Quepem Government College, Babu has participated in 23 marathons and mini marathons, winning most of these. He is a former gold medallist in 1500 metres race at the inter-collegiate level. However, he had never participated in Modern Pentathlon.
Expressing his interest in this sport, Babu said that he would continue participating in the sport in future, though horse riding would be added to it when the game would be held outside Goa. “I have never done horse-riding but if I am provided an opportunity to train myself in it, I would certainly love to participate in Modern Pentathlon,” he said.
Thankful to the Goa Modern Pentathlon Association and his coach Nilesh Naik, Babu shared, “My family is very supportive and encourages me to participate in sports activities,” said Babu whose father is a tractor mechanic and mother a housewife, while sister is studying. Sports minister Govind Gaude congratulated Babu for his victory.
