BHUBANESWAR 02-Jun-2016
The State Government today appointed weightlifting international Katulu Ravi Kumar as Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) under direct recruitment of sportspersons scheme for his outstanding achievemnts. According to a release issued by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), 28-year-old Ravi Kumar became the first sportsperson in the state to get a job in Group-A category.
As per the new rule adopted by the State Government to provide direct recruitment of meritorious sportspersons in Odisha Police last year to recognise their outstanding performance and to provide them the desired financial security. As many as 59 sports persons have been provided employment till now.
Earlier on May 23, Chief Minister gave away appointments to sprinters Shrabani Nanda and Dutee Chand as Junior Manager in Odisha Hydro Power Corporation (OHPC) and Assistant Manager in Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) respectively.
Berhampur lad Ravi Kumar had shot to fame in 2010 after bagging gold in the 69kg category at the Commonwealth Games, held in New Delhi. He not only bagged the gold with a total lifting of 321kg but also created new Commonwealth Games record.
``I thank Odisha government, people of the state and specially media persons for whom I have got this post so early. My target now is to participate in the 2018 Commonwealth Games. In the last two years, I have tried to achieve the match fitness. I am expecting a call from the Indian Weightlifting Federation this September,’’ Ravi Kumar told media persons.
This is the second government job for Ravi Kumar, who joined Pune-based Military Engineer Services (MES) as Hawaldar in 2008 and resigned as Subedar on March 31, 2016. He was out of action after suffering a knee injury in 2014 and returned to training in April this year.
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PHOTO: Family members greet Ravi Kumar following his appointment as DSP on June 2, 2016.
