Odisha powerlifter awaits financial assistance to participate in Australia’s World Powerlifting Championship

Financial constraints have stood an obstacle for Odisha’s powerlifter Sitaram Nayak who aims to bring a gold medal for the country in the World Powerlifting Championship scheduled to be in Australia. The gold medal winner in the National Powerlifting Championship is shattered with no help in sight.

Sitaram has requested the Odisha government and other generous persons to extend a helping hand so that he can make the country proud in Australia.

Hailing from a farmer’s family in Digashira village of Dunguripali block in Subarnapur district, Sitaram has been selected for the upcoming World Powerlifting Championship as a player of the Indian National Team which is scheduled to be held at Sydney, Australia from 11th to 13th October.

However, he needs Rs 2.60L for the visa, documentation process and other formalities. Being a farmer, his father has expressed his helplessness to support his son’s dream. Now, Sitaram’s dream of bringing a gold medal for India will be shattered if no one extends a helping hand. 

“I have won gold and bronze medals in the National Powerlifting Championship. So, I have been invited to join the World Championships in Australia. But, I have to deposit Rs 2.60L to participate in the competition,” he said.

He added that it was impossible for him to arrange the amount and hence requested the Odisha government to extend a helping hand.

“My father is a farmer and he cannot afford such a huge amount. I have worked so hard for this day, but now financial problems are standing as obstacles in my way. I have always dreamt of bringing a gold medal for my country and state. So, I request the government to provide assistance,” he added.
27-year-old Sitaram had earlier won Gold and Bronze medals at the National Powerlifting Championship held in Madhya Pradesh last July.