Date:07/01/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/01/07/stories/2009010757450400.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Visakhapatnam

Vizag girl creates record

G. Narasimha Rao

VISAKHAPATNAM: M. Satyavathi of Visakhapatnam created a record when she became the first player from Andhra region to get selected for the senior National women’s hockey team.

Satyavathi’s selection to the Indian team that is participating in the four-nation tournament to be held in Santiago (Chile) from January 17 was welcomed by the sports circles here. Her coach June Gallyot is an extremely happy person. Because Satyavathi is not only her ward, but also broke her record. June Gallyot was the first and the only hockey player from Andhra region, till Satyavathi made it to the Indian team now, to get selected for the Indian probables list some two decades ago. Then, June had missed the bus narrowly.

Satyavathi, daughter of Appa Rao and Varalakshmi, started playing hockey since she was 12 years old. During the last eight years or so, Satyavathi represented Andhra in the senior and junior National championships, the Federation Cup, South Zone meets, SAI inter-hostel tournaments, School Games and other major tournaments.

A good midfielder, she received the Best Player award during the 2006 sub-junior National championship and captained the Andhra junior team at the Gwalior championships during the same year when the team reached quarterfinals.

Her good show there put her in the National camps for the junior and senior teams.

Attending camp

Satyavathi, who studied at the Port High School and now doing BBM at the Samata College, is at present in the National camp in Bangalore.

The District Hockey Association and the District Sports Authority congratulated Satyavathi on her selection to the Indian senior team.

Samata College Principal S. Vijaya Ravindra, Director B. Muralikrishna, Physical Director M. Lakshmayya, students, faculty and employees congratulated Satyavathi.