Khelo India Women’s Weightlifting Meet: Odisha Team Champions; Mina Santa Best Lifter In Youth Category

Bhubaneswar: Odisha weightlifters soared high at the ASMITA Khelo India Women’s Inter-Zonal National Ranking meet in Himachal Pradesh, bagging 9 medals to emerge team champions in the senior category.

The icing on the cake was Odisha’s Mina Santa being declared as the best lifter in the youth category.

The 10-member contingent secured 4 gold, 3 silver and 2 bronze medals in the meet. The break-up of Odisha’s medals was — a silver and 2 bronze in junior category, 3 gold and 1 silver medal in senior category, and 1 gold and 1 silver in the youth category.

“This is a great achievement for the team. We have been working very hard in the weeks leading up to the event and all our athletes gave their 100 percent,” said Odisha coach Ravi Kumar.

“I am particularly proud of our athletes because due to unforeseen challenges, four of our weightlifters were unable to attend the competition. So I really am proud of this result. I am also grateful to the Department of Sports and Youth Services for their unwavering support,” said Odisha coach Ravi Kumar.

Mina, who won gold in the 55kg youth category, said: “I am very happy with my performance. Months of training at the Odisha Tenvic Weightlifting High Performance Centre has paid off for us.”

Medal winners Jhili Dalabehera, Sneha Soren and Tiki Mohini Malik are also cadets of Odisha Tenvic Weightlifting High Performance Centre.