Yaladro Tavua has always been known for flooding but from now on this place will be known for Yeshnil Karan’s memorable performance in the 1500 and 3000 metres Coca Cola Games finals.
People from all walks of life got together in Yaladro yesterday and celebrated Karan’s achievements in the Coke Games.
Karan of Tavua College who won gold in the 1500 and 3,000 metres events was given a hero’s welcome as soon as the school bus arrived at Tavua Bridge last Wednesday.
[Photo: RIDIQIULAS 2019]
His mother, Saleshni Devi says people were waiting with garlands and a cake at Tavua Bridge where the first celebration took place. She says a number of motorists followed the school bus to their Yaladro based home and it was a proud moment for the family when Karan came out of the bus with two gold medals.
Devi says around 200 people were part of the major celebration in Yaladro yesterday where Karan was asked to sit in front and women brought masi, cakes and gifts.
Yaladro easily gets flooded during the heavy downpour and it was again raining heavily yesterday, but the celebrations continued till the afternoon.
Devi says Karan always helped the family in their vegetable farm in the afternoons and he would start training from 6pm.
She says they always used to encourage Karan to focus on athletics and not soccer as he was passionate about long distance events.
Devi says they used to tell Karan that if was more interested in athletics then he should not play soccer as he may get injured.
Karan’s mother has revealed that Yaladro Road was flooded on the day Karan had to leave for Suva to take part in the Coca Cola Games and they were not sure if Karan could make it to the Games.
She says a relative then brought a van and helped Karan cross the flooded road before he left for Suva.
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