07-Mar-2009 99
Orissa’s international woman powerlifter Mandakini Mahanta added yet another feather to her cap by winning gold medal in 52kg weight class of the Federation Cup Championship at JRD Tata Sports Complex in Jamshedpur today.
Seven times `Strong Woman of Orissa’ Mandakini lifted a total of 330 kg, which included 117.5kg in squat, 62.5kg in benchpress and 150kg in deadlift.
The Federation Cup gold made Mandakini eligible to represent the country in the Asian Powerlifting Championship.
Last year she missed the Asian meet at Tashkent due to financial constraint.
Despite hailing from a lower-middle class family of Gohaladihi village of Mayurbhanj district, Mandakini has been winning laurels for the state, defying several handicaps.
She has been training at Shaktiman Gymnasium of Langalakata under the guidance of her coach Paresh Chandra Mahanta.
