G. Gopikrishnan (19), who won the bronze medal in the 9th Shitoryu Karatedo International Championship held in Tokyo, Japan, returned to a hero's welcome here on Tuesday.
The son of an auto rickshaw driver, Mr. Gopikrishnan represented India in the martial arts competition held in Japan in the 18-20 age group and minus 60kg category.
Speaking to mediapersons at the Coimbatore Railway Junction, Mr. Gopikrishnan thanked his master P.K. Kathiresan and said his aim was to represent India in the Olympics and win a gold medal. “I have been learning karate for the last 15 years. I have taken a lot of risks for achieving this and have overcome many problems since childhood. I have won various competitions at the university, district, state and national levels,” he said. Mr. Gopikrishnan is now pursuing his B.Com degree.
“I saw my son's talent when he was studying in sixth standard. His aim has always been to win,” said R. Ganesan, his father.
Vinisha Kathiresan, who had been coaching Mr. Gopikrishnan for the last five years, conveyed her gratitude to C.S. Arun Machaiah, President of All India Shitoryu Karatedo Union. “We thank Mr. Machiah for selecting Gopikrishnan and sending him to Japan,” she told the mediapersons.