Like father, like daughter: Jeypore’s father-daughter duo wins gold medals in same event of powerlifting 

What a father-daughter duo of Koraput’s Jeypore town has achieved is something that every father and daughter would perhaps aspire to have. 

Biswanath Nayak, a noted powerlifter, and his 14-year-old daughter, Baibhabi Nayak, who is following his father’s footsteps, have won gold medals in a single event but different age groups in Odisha State Championship, recently held in Bhubaneswar. Both the father-daughter duo was felicitated on the same dais. 

Biswanath and Baibhabi, residents of Soura Sahi in Jeypore town, are now the centre of discussion with people saying, ‘Like father, like daughter’.

Biswanath is an advocate by profession but his passion is bodybuilding. For the last many years, he has been known as a powerlifter. He has already many district, state and national level awards and medals under his belt. 

However, he says the recent achievement of winning gold medal is unique and historic. He says what gives him immense pleasure is not his winning gold but his daughter winning gold, that to be in a single event. 

“Our contribution is very little. If she has come this far, it is only due to her determination. She used to watch me while I was working out at home. In my absence, she would lift barbell bar and thus her strength increased gradually. We wish to participate in national and international events,” said Biswanath.    

While Biswanath won gold medal under 77 kg Master’s category at Railways’ Odisha State Championship held in Bhubaneswar, in the same event, but under 55 kg below 14 age category, Baibhabi also bagged gold medal. 

“I am very happy. I would like to extend my special thank to my family members and my coaches, Ratnakar sir and Rudranarayan sir” said a jubilant Baibhabi, adding, “I wish to participate in national and international games and earn glory for my country.”