Olympic medalist Karnam Malleswari appointed first Vice-Chancellor of Delhi Sport University

Vishakhapatnam: Andhra Pradesh Weightlifting Association (APWA), Visakha Weightlifting Association (VWA) and film star turned politician and Janasena party chief K Pawan Kalyan on Wednesday congratulated Olympic medalist Karnam Malleswari, who was appointed as the first Vice-Chancellor of Delhi Sport University.

In a statement, APWA President and Indian Weightlifting Association Vice-President Kancharana Suryanarayana said the Delhi Government on Tuesday appointed former Olympic medalist weightlifter Karnam Malleswari as the first Vice-Chancellor of Delhi Sports University.

On behalf of the Association Officials, Suryanarayana, B. Venkatramaiah (Secretary), M.V.Manikyalu (Treasurer), K. Amarnath (Vice-President), Neelamsetti Lakshmi(Chairman) and other members and also Visakha Weightlifting Association Members, congratulate to Padmashri Karanam Malleswari over her appointment.

Malleswari, who hails from Voosavanipeta village near Amadalavalasa in Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh, won bronze in weightlifting at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

Her record still remains intact as no woman from India won a medal in weightlifting at the Olympics.

She was honoured with the Arjuna Award in 1994 and Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award in 1999.

She is also a recipient of Padma Shri Award in 1999.

The 46-year-old Malleswari is now working as Chief General Manager in the FCI.

In a statement here on Wednesday, Mr.Pawan Kalyan said it is a matter of pride for all Telugus for the appointment of renowned weightlifting sportswoman and Telugu pride Karnam Malleswari as Vice-Chancellor of Delhi Sports University.

“I convey heartfelt congratulations on my behalf and Janasena Party to Malleswari, who is taking charge as the first Vice-Chancellor to the university which will help for the progress of the sports sector in the country”, he said.

The Janasena chief said the journey of Malleswari from Srikakulam district to the Sydney Olympics was most valuable. She became inspirational to many young women by achieving a medal in weightlifting in the Sydney Olympics.

“I have confidence that she will stand as a guide to all people in the present responsibilities. I wish the Sports University under the auspices of Malleswari will produce national-pride champions; especially it will groom the talented sportspersons in the rural and backward regions”, Mr.Pawan Kalyan said. (UNI)