Sports Grants
Pravallika, Hasitha, Nandini, Ragini
Every athlete has a story - written by - Nitya Attaluri, 11th grade, Pembroke school, Kansas City, Missouri , June,2024
To be an athlete means putting in hours of hard work and determination, and these four girls embody that spirit. They are making remarkable efforts to overcome financial and social barriers through their athletic journeys, and with the support from Siri Foundation and Coach Lohit, they are making strides towards achieving their dreams.
Despite facing significant social stigma and resistance in pursuing sports as girls in India, these athletes are breaking barriers and are endlessly deserving of support and appreciation for their passions.
Pravallika Bora
Pravallika B. is 14 years old and in the 10th grade at Sri Vikal Public School. She aims to study mathematics, physics, and chemistry in intermediate school. She practices her event, the 600-meter race, for 6 hours every day of the week and has placed second and third at national competitions with a personal record of 1:38.
Hasitha Bandaru
Hasitha B. is 16 years old and in the 12th grade at Andalamma Junior College. Her main event is the javelin throw, with a personal record of 32 meters. She also competes in the heptathlon, where scores from 7 different events are averaged to determine the winner. She has placed nationally in her events. When she grows up, she aims to pursue a career in sports medicine and physiotherapy.
Ragini Kandra
Ragini Kandra is 16 years old and studying in her first year at Sri Surya Junior College. Her father, Mr. Ramu, is a roadside coconut vendor. Ms. Ragini recently participated in the National Athletics Sports Meet in Bihar. She also trains with Coach Lohith and is supported by the Siri Foundation.
Coach Lohith
Coach Lohith has been coaching for three years and considers coaching his passion. He earned his Bachelor's degree in 2019 and is currently pursuing a Master's in physical education, with the ultimate goal of completing a PhD in athletic courses. The four girls train with him, and he plans to use the aid he receives from the Siri Foundation to help with their diets and travel expenses.
Nandini, Pravallika, Coach Lohith, Hasitha
Nandini Korupolu
Nandini is 14 years old and attends Sri Surya Junior College in 11th grade studying mathematics, physics, and chemistry. When she grows up, she wants to be a police officer. Her event in track and field is the 800 meter race, which she has received 15 medals for over the past 3 years with a personal record of 2:32. Her father is an Auto Driver.
Srini with Lohith's team in Vizag , Jan, 2024
Coach Thammu Naidu
Vechalam School
Ganesh, Coach Naidu, Karthik
Coach Thammu Naidu is a proud volunteer of Siri Foundation. He mentors and coaches many students at Vechalam High School.
We thank Coach Mr. Tammunaidu for his pivotal role in training and nurturing raw talents like Ganesh Dammu, who excelled in Athletics under 14. Ganesh's outstanding performance has opened doors for his induction into the Boys Sports Company (BSC) through India's 'Mission Olympics Program.
Additionally, he coached Sai Karthik, who set records and was selected for Sports Authority of India athletics camps.
Siri Foundation is truly fortunate to partner with exceptional educators and coaches like Mr. Naidu from Vechalam High School, where Siri has maintained a presence for the past ten years.
Sai Karthik at Sports Camp
June, 2024
Dammu Ganesh at Boys Sports Company (BSC) - June 2023
With his Team