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Waiting to achieve more in her sport

Suria Preba

PUDUCHERRY: Just seven months into powerlifting, Suria Prebha is no ordinary newcomer. Bagging four gold medals at the Asia-level powerlifting championship, she now aims to scale greater heights in the sport.

Six years ago, Ms. Prebha started as a weightlifter, following the footsteps of her father. She had won two gold medals at the National level in weightlifting.

“After marriage, I started to undergo coaching in powerlifting. I won the gold medal in the sub-junior category at the National-level championship organised by the Indian Powerlifting Federation held in Bihar this year,” she said.

Her husband, T. Bakiyaraj is also a powerlifter and has won a medal in the south Indian championship. Qualifying for the Asia championship after the nationals, she emerged victorious in the sub-junior category. The Asia championship was organised by the Asian Powerlifting Federation in Tashkent, Uzbekistan in May. “Around 40 powerlifters from India participated in the championship. I won four gold medals in the sub-junior category in the championship,” she said.

Her dreams do not stop here as she is now focussed on participating and winning in the world championship. “The world championship will be held in October in South Africa. I am working hard for it and will try my best to win a gold medal,” she added. But financial constraints serve as an obstacle in pursuing her dreams. “We have spent around Rs. 1.5 lakh for participating in the Asian championship. We have approached the government for sponsorship to participate in the world championship,” she said.

With strength as support, and motivation from her family, this powerlifter looks forward for bigger challenges and achievements in future.

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