Kalpa Media House | Special Article by Satish Shetty Cherkady |
Certain achievements do not merely bring happiness; they move an entire society to tears of pride. Naija R. Hegde, a bright and determined student of Jnanasudha College, Karkala, has scripted such a rare, inspiring, and heart-touching success story.
Naija has earned a prestigious place in the Indian team’s selection training camp for the Under-18 Girls’ International Volleyball Tournament, organized by the School Games Federation of India. Ahead of the final team selection for the international tournament scheduled to be held in Shangao, China, a rigorous national-level training camp was conducted. From across the country, only 24 exceptional players were selected, and Naija stands among them. It is a matter of immense pride for Karnataka that she is one of just two players chosen from the entire state.
Unwavering Resolve, Unbreakable Faith: The Path to Success
Naija’s journey to success is not a result of overnight achievement but a story built on relentless hard work, discipline, and an unyielding spirit. Her remarkable talent first came into the spotlight when she secured first place in the state-level volleyball tournament organized by the Department of School Education for the academic year 2025–26. Representing Karnataka at the national level, she continued to shine with consistent performances.
Recently, at a highly competitive selection camp held in Ranchi, Jharkhand, Naija’s outstanding skills and determination caught the attention of national selectors, paving the way for this significant milestone in her sporting career.
Dreaming is easy, but turning those dreams into reality through perseverance and dedication is what defines true achievers. Naija stands as a shining example of this truth.
Naija Hegde Excels in Both Sports and Academics
Breaking stereotypes that sports and academics cannot go hand in hand, Naija has excelled in both fields with equal brilliance. She scored an impressive 95% in her II PUC (Class 12) Science board examinations, proving herself to be a true all-rounder. Her ability to balance rigorous sports training with academic excellence makes her an inspiration for today’s youth.
Parents’ Sacrifice Behind Naija Hegde’s Success
Behind Naija’s remarkable achievement lies the unwavering support, sacrifices, and encouragement of her parents, Rajesh Hegde and Sandhya Kumari Shetty of Kukkehalli. Their joy knows no bounds as they witness their daughter stepping onto the international stage, carrying not just their dreams but the pride of an entire region.
Equally commendable is the role played by Jnanasudha Pre-University College, Manipal, in recognizing and nurturing her talent. The guidance and support of Dr. Sudhakar Shetty, President of the Ajekar Padmagopal Education Trust, along with the dedicated efforts of the teaching faculty, have been instrumental in shaping her journey.
Stepping into a Brighter Future
In recognition of her exceptional talent, Naija has also been selected for the prestigious ‘National Centre of Excellence’ under the Khelo India initiative. This opportunity will enable her to pursue higher education while receiving advanced sports training at the Khelo India Academy.
As this young achiever from Karkala prepares to leap from the national stage to the international arena, all eyes are on her journey ahead. It is the collective hope that she secures a place in the final Indian squad and brings glory to the nation at Shangao, China.
Naija Hegde’s journey is more than a personal achievement—it is a beacon of hope and inspiration for countless young talents, especially from rural India.
All the best, Naija Hegde! Your story is a guiding light for millions.
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