Odisha Weightlifters Shine at Khelo India Women’s Inter-Zonal Tournament

Bhubaneswar: Odisha weightlifters shine at the ASMITA Khelo India Women’s Inter-Zonal Weightlifting National Ranking Tournament 2023-24, held in Himachal Pradesh, clinching the team championship title in the senior category. Among the highlights, Mina Santa from Odisha was crowned the best lifter in the youth category, adding to the state’s glory.

With a formidable contingent of 10 athletes, Odisha bagged a total of nine medals, including four gold, three silver, and two bronze. In the junior category, the state secured one silver and two bronze medals. In the senior category, they clinched three gold and one silver medal, while in the youth category, Odisha claimed one gold and one silver medal.

Expressing his elation over Odisha’s remarkable performance, Coach Ravi Kumar, who led the contingent, stated, “This is a remarkable achievement for our team. Our athletes have dedicated themselves to rigorous training in the lead-up to the event, and their hard work has paid off brilliantly.”

He continued, “I am particularly proud of our athletes because despite facing unforeseen challenges that prevented four of our weightlifters from attending the competition, they displayed exceptional determination and resilience. I am also thankful to the Department of Sports and Youth Services for their steadfast support throughout our journey.”

Reflecting on her outstanding performance and being honored as the best weightlifter in the youth category, Mina Santa, who clinched the gold in the 55kg category, shared her joy, saying, “I am thrilled with my performance. The months of rigorous training at the Odisha Tenvic Weightlifting High-Performance Centre have truly paid off for all of us.”

It’s worth noting that Jhili Dalabehera, Sneha Soren, and Tiki Mohini Malik, who secured medals, are also cadets of the Odisha Tenvic Weightlifting High-Performance Centre, underscoring the center’s role in nurturing promising talent in the state.