Auto driver’s son from Odisha’s Dhenkanal braves all odds to script Commonwealth Championship glory

Overcoming poverty and other adverse situations in life, Hrudananda Das from Dhenkanal has won a gold medal in the recently-concluded Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship held at Greater Noida’s Gautam Buddha University in Uttar Pradesh.

Hrudananda secured the top position in the 73 kg Youth Category event with a total lift of 250 kg to win the yellow metal.

“The competition level at the mega championship was pretty tough. Weightlifters from as many as 15 countries had participated in the event. I am so happy that I was able to win the gold medal. It is a confidence booster for me,” said Hrudananda.

The promising weightlifter from Kutunia village in Dhenkanal district is the son of Harihar Das who ekes out a living by driving an auto-rickshaw. However, with his strong determination and dedication to the sports, Hrudananda overcame many obstacles to come up with flying colours.

He was accorded a grand welcome upon his arrival in Dhenkanal. After garlanding the statute of freedom fighter and martyr Baji Rout, Hrudananda was taken in a grand procession around the city by several sports enthusiasts and local residents. Many Puja committee members also felicitated the emerging weightlifter on the occasion.

Eventually, Hrudananda was taken to Dhenkanakl Collector’s office in a grand procession. Collector Saroj Kumar Sethi met Hrudananda at his office and congratulated him for his grand success.

“The young weightlifter has brought glory to the district, State and country. It is a matter of pride for Dhenkanal. Many Congratulations to Hrudananda and his coach. I am hopeful that the emerging weightlifter will bring many more glories for the district in the future,” said Sethi.

Hrudananda’s coach Gopalakrushna Das was on cloud nine over his ward’s success.

“I had started imparting training to Hrudananda from a very tender age. I am very much satisfied that he has won a gold medal in an international level tournament. I am hopeful that Hrudananda will win many more medals in the future. Many more talented weightlifters under my tutelage are in the offing. In coming days, they will bring more laurels for the State and the country,” said Gopalakrushna.