Anish’s family exults back home in Karnal
A CLASS10 STUDENT, ANISH HAD TAKEN SPECIAL PERMISSION FROM CBSE TO APPEAR IN HIS FINAL EXAMS AFTER APRIL 16
KARNAL: Anish Bhanwala of Karnal created history on Friday by becoming the youngest ever gold medallist at the Commonwealth Games (CWG) for India.
In his first performance at the CWG, the 15-year-old bagged the top slot in the men’s 25m rapid fire pistol event in Gold Coast, Australia.
Anish, a resident of Sector 6 of Karnal and son of lawyer Jagpal Bhanwala, has been a part of the Indian shooting team since 2017.
Anish is a Class 10 student of St Theresa’s Convent Senior Secondary School and he had taken special permission from CBSE to appear for his final exams after April 16.
“Not only me, but the entire India is elated over Anish’s achievement as he has brought laurels to the country,” Jagpal told Hindustan Times over phone. He is currently in Delhi for the regular practice of his daughter Muskan, who is also a shooter. She has been part of women’s senior team and has represented India at International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup.
Anish’s father played a big role behind his achievement as he did everything for his son and daughter Muskan, who is also a shooter, despite having limited resources. “We had shifted to Karnal about 15 years ago from our native village Kasandi in Sonepat district. Though we faced many challenges, including financial, we managed to sail through,” said Jagpal.
He said, “Anish had tried his hand in different games but shooting was always his favourite sport.” “I supported him and borrowed a pistol for him for practice when he was only 7,” he said adding that Anish had to go to Delhi for regular practice.
Jagpal appealed the state government to set up a shooting range in Haryana for the youths like Anish. “We have to go Delhi for practice of my son and daughter as there is no shooting range in the state,” he added.
His mother Poonam also lauded her son saying, “I knew it that he will come with flying colours”.
His grandparents, who also watched his performance on TV at their residence in Karnal, are excited over the achievement of his grandson.
“I feel proud of my grandson. Also, the credit goes to his father and mother for their struggle behind this achievement,” said Yashwant Singh, grandhfather of Anish.
“Anish has already won several gold and silver medals in different games. Winning Olympics gold medal is his dream and I am sure he will achieve this too,” he added.
Jagpal said Anish has also represented India at the 2013 Modern Pentathlon Junior World Championships but later decided to switch sport.
In ISSF Junior World Championship 2017, Anish won two gold, two silver and one bronze medals for India. In 2017 Commonwealth Shooting Championships, he won silver in 25m rapid fire.
In ISSF Junior World Cup 2018, Sydney, he won individual gold and team silver in 25m rapid fire junior men.
KHATTAR LAUDS CWG MEDALLISTS
Meanwhile, Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar congratulated sportspersons from Haryana who won medals in different events at the Commonwealth Games on Friday.