Of Grit & Sweat: Odisha Golden Girl Priteesmita’s Journey To International Weightlifting Glory

Dhenkanal: She wears a dazzling smile and self-assured demeanour. Only 15 years of age, she carries the confidence of someone ready to take on whatever challenge future throws at her. Meet Priteesmita Bhoi, the girl from Dhenkanal in Odisha who won a gold medal in the World Youth Weightlifting Championships 2024 organised by the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) at Lima in Peru mid last year.

She achieved this feat by lifting a total weight of 133 kg (57 kg in snatch and 76 kg in clean and jerk) in the 40 kg weight class. She is also the recipient of the prestigious Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar in recognition of her excellence in the field of sports. She received the award from President Droupadi Murmu in New Delhi recently.

Don’t let the radiant smile and triumphant stance at the podium of the pint-sized youngster deceive you. They conceal a back story that is sad as well as inspiring. Priteesmita’s journey so far has been anything but easy. Orphaned at the tender age of two, she was raised by her single mother who nurtured her and instilled in her the unshakeable determination to succeed. As her remarkable journey unfolds, her eyes still sparkle with the fire of a warrior who has battled against odds and won.

In an exclusive interview with Sonal Roy, Priteesmita opens up on the trials that have tested her will, the triumphs that have lifted her spirit, and the dreams that continue to drive her forward.

Q: How does it feel to represent India on a global stage at such a young age?

A: I feel very proud to represent my country at the global level. I’m also happy that, despite coming from a small town in Odisha, I managed to win a gold medal for India at the international level.

Q: What inspired you to take up weightlifting, and how did you stay motivated through the challenges you faced early in life?

A: I didn’t even know what weightlifting was in the beginning. One day, I was crying because I lost a sprint competition in school. My coach, Gopal Sir, saw me crying and told me I could do really well in weightlifting. I trusted his advice and started training under him. That’s how my journey began, and it changed my life.

Q: What was going through your mind during your record-breaking performance at the IWF World Youth Championships?

A: Honestly, there were no thoughts in my mind during the performance. If I had let myself think too much, I might have lost focus. Staying calm and composed helped me stay focused on my goal and achieve it.”

Q: What does your typical day of training look like? Can you share any specific routines or habits that have helped you excel?

A: I don’t follow any very tough routines. I wake up in the morning, freshen up, have breakfast, and then head to the gym for training. I usually train twice a day.

Q: Balancing academics and professional sports can be challenging. How do you manage both, and what role does education play in your life?

A: It is very challenging for me. I’m in the 10th standard and preparing for my board exams. You can’t excel in both fields at the same time, so I consider myself an average student academically. Somehow, I manage both.”

Q: Who has been your biggest inspiration or role model in the field of weightlifting, and why?

A: I deeply admire and adore Mirabai Chanu Didi. She is my biggest motivation. I love how effortlessly she performs in weightlifting. In the early days of my training, I often doubted myself but seeing her inspired me to keep going.

Q: What were the biggest challenges you faced in your journey so far, and how did you overcome them?

A: Honestly, I didn’t face any major challenges. Initially, I had doubts about excelling in weightlifting, but my mother’s mental and financial support, along with my coach’s guidance, helped me overcome them and achieve success.

Q: What message would you like to share with young athletes, especially girls, who aspire to follow in your footsteps?

A: Follow your passion in whatever field interests you. Passion is very important. Have big dreams, work hard, and stay focused. With determination, you can make your dreams come true.

She signed off leaving the podium to her coach Gopal Krishna Das. On how he plans to keep her motivated and focussed on her long-term goals, he said he would do so by continuing to support her and guiding her at every step. Motivation and consistent encouragement were key to ensuring she stays focused on her journey and achieves greater success in the future, he added.

“Priteesmita’s journey has been inspiring. More girls are now coming forward to take up weightlifting. I feel so happy that my dream is coming true through her. I have always wanted to see both girls and boys actively involved in sports,” he said.

The interviewer, Sonal Roy, is a student of IIMC, Dhenkanal (Perspective Bytes)