A Breadwinner At 15, Poorna Sri Wins Weightlifting Gold In Khelo India

Fifteen-year-old Poorna Sri, who is also a breadwinner for her family, recently won the 64kg U-17 weightlifting crown at the Khelo India Youth Games in Guwahati. “I come from a very poor family. My father makes beedis and sells them,” Poorna who comes in Tamil Nadu revealed shortly after grabbing the gold.  “I compete in various weight-lifting competitions in our little town and often bring home the prize money. It not only takes care of my own sporting expenses but also gives my parents a slightly better lifestyle,” said the weightlifter who hails from Vellore, kheloindia.gov.in reported.

Poorna is a member of the government's Khelo India scheme. She receives Rs 30,000 every three months, which she pays her school fees with, ensuring that her education doesn’t suffer. "The Khelo India scheme has really come as a lifesaver. My father earns Rs 2000-3000 per month through his beedi business, which is obviously not much,” Poorna said.

Key Takeaways:

• 15-year-old Poorna Sri from Tamil Nadu recently won the 64kg U-17 weightlifting gold at the Khelo India Youth Games in Guwahati.
• “I come from a very poor family. My father makes beedis and sells them,” Poorna, revealed.
• Poorna is a member of the government's Khelo India scheme and receives Rs 30,000 every three months, which she pays her school fees with

Also Read: Don’t let the bronze change the colour of your heart: Mary Kom to Sakshi Malik

How weightlifting happened

Poorna was inspired by her weightlifter father who encouraged her to take up the sport. “I never saw him compete but I have seen his photographs. That really goaded me on. He has taught me some techniques and motivated me to pursue the sport seriously,” she revealed.

Poorna's stellar performance grabbed attention at the sub-junior nationals snatch where she set a record. "I have been in the Indian junior camp. But I am yet to play in an international tournament. I am hoping to do well during the Commonwealth Championship trials and participate in it this year. My biggest dream is to break international records and be a well-known athlete in India," declared Poorna who aims to make her mark in the Olympics in the future.

READ: Visually Impaired Swimmer Eyes Paralympic Gold In Tokyo 2020

Feature Image Credit: kheloindia.gov.in

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