A differently-abled girl from Athagarh in Cuttack district has overcome acute poverty and all odds to win a silver medal in the cycling event of the recently-concluded World Summer Games 2023 at Berlin in Germany.
Meet Kalpana Jena from Regedapada village in the district, the talented cyclist who has brought laurels to the country and the State by finishing second in the mega event.
They say- where there is a will there is a way. Kalpana’s struggle is more or less like the maxim. She belongs to a very poor family. She even can’t afford a bicycle. However, the adversities couldn’t deter her spirit. She practiced regularly with his friend’s cycle and came up with flying colours in various national-level tournaments. Bolstered by her brilliant shows, she aimed high and secured a silver medal in the international tournament in Berlin.
“I was hopeful to win the gold. However, the food provided to us in Berlin was not good. I participated in the competition almost with an empty stomach. However, I am so happy that I finished second amid the tough competition between so many participants across the globe,” said an elated Kalpana.
Kalpana’s family members had no such expectation from her as she was identified with special disabilities. However, the gutsy girl proved them all wrong with her hard work, strong determination and high ambition. Now, they all are proud of her feats.
“We had never imagined that Kalpana has so much talent. She is determined to make a successful career in sports. However, we feel helpless for not being able to provide her the required financial support and exposure. I request the government to extend a helping hand so that the poor girl can bring more laurels to the state and the country,” said Kalpana’s mother Gitanjali Jena.
Kalpana’s talent was first identified by coach Vivekananda Mohanty during her childhood. With guidance from Vivekananda, Kalpana performed brilliantly in the Khelo India Games in 2017. Since then she has never looked back.
“Kalpana is not eligible to play in Special Olympics. However, I am sure that she will be able to perform well in National games and qualify for Asian Games and Olympics in the future,” said Vivekananda.