West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee recently announced a cash award of Rs 10 lakh for Golden girl Swapna Barman. Not only this, Swapna will also get a government job. India’s first-ever Asian Games gold medallist in heptathlon deserves every stardom she is getting.
Swapna’s family in Jalpaiguri lives in financial crisis. In such a situation, the cash reward will be of immense help. She is the daughter of Panchanan Barman -- a rickshaw-puller -- who is bedridden for the past couple of years now. Her mother Basana Devi works as a domestic help. The Chief Minister has promised Swapna the reward, West Bengal Athletic Association secretary Kamal Maitra told PTI.
“The CM announced a cash award of Rs 10 lakh and a government job for Swapna. State tourism minister Gautam Deb spent about half an hour at Swapna’s house, and also assured them full support,” Maitra said.
It was Swapna’s father who built her interest in sports. He used to fix bamboo sticks on the field in the backyard of his home for her to practice high jump. She would practise every day after school.
When Swapna returns from Indonesia around September 3-4, the WBAA is also planning to felicitate the athlete, Maitra added.
READ:Know Your Asian Games Gold Medallist: Swapna Barman
Swapna Barman scripted history in Jakarta, finishing with her personal best score of 6026, that included her personal best record of 50.63m in javelin throw, and clinched the gold medal in Women’s Heptathlon at the Asian Games 2018.
READ MORE On Women At Asian Games
“Congratulations to Swapna Burman @Swapna_Barman96 ..for her gold ..we in India and Bengal are so happy and proud,” cricketer Sourav Ganguly wrote.
The Jalpaiguri-girl had smashed 5178 points in her debut Asiad appearance in Incheon four years ago. Last year, she had won the gold at the Asian Athletics Championships.
Congratulations Swapna!
Image Credit: Sportstarlive
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