Rajouri (Jammu and Kashmir)

Mithali Sharma, a girl from the Sunderbani area of Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir has won a gold medal at the International Dance competition held in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Mithali said, "I was selected in school for the trials. I won the district and national championships.

The competition was quite tough. It was between four countries, Sri Lanka, Nepal, India, Bhutan. I was positive about this competition from the beginning. I am so proud that I have represented my country." "My father is my inspiration.

He was an army officer who died in an encounter 11 years ago. He must be proud of me. I have appeared for my NEET exam, in counselling when I get the college, I will do MBBS. Along with my studies, I will continue my dance," she added. Anju Sharma, Mithali's mother, said, "This is a dream of all the parents that their children become successful.

Mithali was very close to her father. He is her inspiration. She truly works hard. I am very happy now. I want that all girls should be independent and successful." Babu ram Sharma, a local, said, "My blessings are with Mithali. She is very good in her studies as well as in the dance. She has made all of us very proud."