BHUBANESWAR 29-Jun-2016
Purnima Hembram is undoubtedly the best allround woman athlete of Odisha. She has the distinction of winning scores of national and international medals in heptathlon, which comprises seven events (100 metres hurdles, high jump, shot-put, 200 metres, long jump, javelin and 800 metres).
Purnima achieved a rare success by her maiden gold medal in 400m hurdles event on the second day of the 56th National Inter State Senior Athletic Championship at GMC Balyogi Stadium in Hyderabad today. The 23-year-old versatile athlete from Bahalads block of Mayurbhanj district was competing in this event for the first time and she came out triumph, clocking 59.27 seconds.
A product of Sports Authority of India, Purnima had big responsibility on her shoulders to achieve success for Odisha in the absence of more famed statemates Duttee Chand, Srabani Nanda, Jauna Murmu and Amiya Mallick. And she kept the Odisha flag flying by winning the only gold medal for the state so far.
Dutee and Srabani chose not to participate in the ongoing meet after booking tickets for the Rio Olympic Games. But the absence of Amiya and Jauna came as a surprise as this was the last opportunity for the duo to qualify for the Rio Games.
Odisha Athletic Association fielded only athletes in this championship. Other two Odisha athletes in the fray are: Saraswati Pati (20km walk) and Manoj Maharana (shot put and discus).
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PHOTO: Purnima Hembram poses with gold medal in Hyderabad on June 29, 2019.
