19-Aug-2009 113
Orissa woman powerlifter Samita Barik won a gold medal in 82kg weight class of the Asian Benchpress Championship at Chandigarh today. She achieved the feat by lifting 72.5 kg.
This is the first international medal for Samita, a 28-year-old mother of two children. The Rourkela-based lifter earlier missed two opportunities to participate in Asian and World championships due to financial constraints.
This time, Rourkela Steel Plant provided her an assistance of Rs 33,000, while Purushottam Mechanical College contributed Rs 35,000. Ealier this year, Samita won titles in State powerlifting and weightlifting championships.
