Kushal wins two gold medals at Special Olympics

PANAJI: The Indian delegation at the Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles will return with an impressive haul of 173 medals which includes 47 gold.
Indian athletes gave a good account of themselves in Los Angeles as they perched themselves among the top three countries with only hosts United States and China ahead of them on the penultimate day of the competition.
India’s total medal haul includes 47 gold, 54 silver and 72 bronze.
There were 18 Goan athletes among the contingent and Special Olympics (Bharat) will be pleased with their efforts as they won six gold, three silver and nine bronze medals.
The most proficient among all Goan participants was Kushal Resham who won two gold and a bronze medal in roller skating. Kushal, who studies at Keshav Seva Sadhana in Bicholim, started his medal run with gold in 1000m Roller Skating Rink and then followed it up with another gold in the 2x100m relay. He, however, had to settle for a bronze medal in 300m rink race.
“I am really happy with the medals. I spoke to my parents and they are delighted,” Kushal told TOI in a telephonic conversation from Los Angeles.
National sports director Victor Vaz said he was pleased with Kushal’s progress since he was spotted at the Nationals in Rae Bareli. “He attended the first preparatory camp and since then has made good progress. All this would not have been possible, if not for the efforts of coach Gareth Vaz and India coach Jasvinder Singh,” said Vaz.
Back at home in Bicholim, Kushal’s parents are awaiting the triumphant return of their son. “It is a proud moment for us. We are all delighted,” said his mother, Padma Krishna Resham.
Kushal was not alone in Goa’s moment of triumph.
Vishram Shivaji and Soniya Patil both won a gold medal each in athletics in the 400m walk and 200m respectively. Soniya took home an additional silver medal after finishing second in 400m.
Riya Gawde won two silver medals in the 500m and 2x100m relay and was placed third in the 1000m. Urmila Parab won a bronze Medal in the 500m.
The Indian softball team won a gold medal on debut after they got the better of United States and Australia. Two Goan players -- Tukaram Sangaonkar and Vinay Ghadge -- were part of the gold-medal winning squad.
India also won a bronze basketball with Sachin Suvarna playing an important role.
Alcia Antao, Fatima Rodrigues, Rachel Fernandes and Tanawi Rane, all of whom were part of India’s volleyball squad, had to settle for the bronze medal.
Every two years, Special Olympics athletes come together to compete at the Special Olympics World Games. Over 6,500 athletes from 165 countries descended upon Los Angeles to show the true meaning of courage, joy and determination.
Athletes competed in 25 different sports at venues throughout Los Angeles.