No sponsors in sight for Ludhiana’s yoga talent

Reason: They could not get sponsors to give them wings to fly to Egypt for the event which starts from June 1. Tomorrow is the last day for applying for the visa application.

Damini Mahajan, a Class V student of Sat Paul Mittal School in Dugri, said, "I worked hard for this championship. I used to practise yoga for an hour every day. I am sure if I get the sponsorship I will fetch a gold or silver medal for the country." Damini was selected for the championship after getting fifth position in the 5th All India Yoga Festival and International Championship held at Surat in Gujarat in February this year.

Another student Gunjan Bagga is studying in Class III at Greenland Senior Secondary School at Jalandhar Bye Pass. Gunjan got selected for this event after scoring VII position in the 5th All India Yoga Festival of International Championship held at Surat.

Damini's mother Meetu Mahajan said, "For one and half months we have been trying to get the sponsorship for Damini but to no avail. We also gave an application to the state sports department but we were told that there are no funds.

Tomorrow is the last date for applying for the visa but there seems little hope. We have already given Rs 10,000 from our own pocket as the entry fee and can give to Rs 20,000 to 25,000. Still we would need Rs 60,000 to send Damini to Egypt for the championship."

Damini, who is very good in academics and also fond of playing table tennis and skating said, "I want to be a doctor and a yoga expert."

Equally worried is girls' coach Surya Vedant.

"Both girls have learnt yoga from me. We ran from pillar to post to arrange sponsors for the event. It is unfortunate for us that the girls will lose the lifetime opportunity of representing their country."