Representing India In China · Story 01
How G. Anumitha and G. Siva Narayana overcame injury, Cyclone Michaung and uncertainty to reach the World Memory Championships
Representing India at a World Championship is a dream for any athlete. But for G. Anumitha, the journey to the 32nd World Memory Championship in Sanya, China, became a test of determination even before the competition began.
G. Anumitha was scheduled to travel from Rajahmundry to Sanya, China, accompanied by her father, G. Siva Narayana. Dr. P. Srinivas Kumar, Member of the Indian Memory Sports Council and Trainer to G. Anumitha, was travelling separately from Hyderabad and was scheduled to join them in Delhi.
The original travel plan was straightforward.
But just weeks before departure, an unexpected accident changed everything.
An Unexpected Setback
About a month before the journey, G. Siva Narayana met with an accident and suffered a severe leg injury.
He underwent surgery, which also resulted in the amputation of a toe.
For the family, the situation immediately created uncertainty around the planned journey to China.
G. Anumitha was not willing to travel without her father. If G. Siva Narayana could not travel, Dr. P. Srinivas Kumar would also have to make his first journey to China without knowing anyone there.
The possibility that G. Anumitha might miss the World Championship suddenly became very real.
A Difficult Decision
Just 15 days after his surgery, despite doctors advising him not to travel, G. Siva Narayana made a determined decision.
He would travel with G. Anumitha.
As a retired Army person, G. Siva Narayana was determined to ensure that his daughter would not miss the opportunity to represent India at the World Memory Championships.
The original three-person travel plan was back on.
But another challenge was already developing.
Cyclone Michaung
On 1 December 2023, Cyclone Michaung formed over the Bay of Bengal and intensified over the following days.
By 5 December, severe weather and heavy rainfall were affecting Andhra Pradesh.
That was the day G. Anumitha and G. Siva Narayana were scheduled to travel from Visakhapatnam to Delhi.
Their flight was cancelled.
With their international journey depending on reaching Delhi, the situation became urgent.
The Race To Visakhapatnam
The alternative was to travel by road from Rajahmundry to Visakhapatnam.
But heavy rains made the road journey difficult.
There was little time and no certainty about what would happen next.
Then an alternative appeared.
A special Air India flight from Visakhapatnam to Delhi was scheduled for the evening of 5 December.
G. Anumitha and G. Siva Narayana booked the flight.
They travelled by road from Rajahmundry to Visakhapatnam through the difficult weather conditions, reached the airport and managed to board the special flight.
Finally, they were on their way to Delhi.
Finally, Delhi
G. Anumitha and G. Siva Narayana reached Delhi.
The first major obstacle had been overcome.
They had already faced an accident, surgery, medical restrictions, cancelled flights and severe weather — yet they had made it to the first stage of their international journey.
The journey to China was still ahead.
And while G. Anumitha and G. Siva Narayana had fought their way to Delhi, Dr. P. Srinivas Kumar was about to face a completely different challenge of his own.
To be continued…
Continue The Journey
Next Story: The Journey That Wouldn’t Stop
