Dharwad: Residents of Singanahalli in Dharwad taluk, along with scores of sportspersons, members of various organisations accorded a rousing welcome to rural lad Rafiq Holi who won a silver medal in Commonwealth Wrestling Championship held in Singapore recently.
The presence of his family members, parents, well-wishers and villagers of Singanhalli at the Railway station had made it difficult for the movement of general public.
As the train arrived those waiting for him greeted him with garlands and accorded a traditional welcome.
Later, at a felicitation programme organised by the district administration, District In-charge Minister Santhosh S Lad who felicitated Rafiq said that he would soon arrange for an appointment with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and see that the government supports him in his future endeavors.
Minister also said amid scores of wrestlers from the district who had excelled in state and national level events but never went beyond Bengaluru, Rafiq had crossed the national border and earned laurels for the country, state and Dharwad district, he added.
Rafiq will be given a civic felicitation during the Republic Day on January 26, the minister announced. Deputy Commissioner S B Bommanahalli, Rafiq’s parents and others were present. It may be stated here that Rafiq had won the medal in 71-kg category.
