Phulbani: As the people of Odisha wait with bated breath to watch their star sprinter Srabani Nanda perform in her chosen event of 200-meters on the world's biggest stage tomorrow, her family members in Phulbani town in Kandhamal district have prayed to the God seeking His blessings for her success.
Talking to OTV, a family member of Srabani said as renowned sprinters from across the world will take part in the 200-metre event the competition would be very tough. “Hence, the level of preparation will be a deciding factor for the success of the athletes in this event. But we should be hopeful that Srabani will win a medal in this event and bring glory to her state and the country,” he said.
“Srabani has done all the hard work. It is up to God to decide her fate. We are all praying the God for her success,” Srabani’s grandmother said.
“We have already started worshipping the God to bless Srabani so that she will come out with flying colours. Her parents have already arrived at Rio De Janeiro to boost her morale. We pray to God that Srabani brings glory for Odisha as well the country. Our best wishes are always with her,” said Srabani’s aunt.
Optimistic about her success in the event, Srabani’s grandfather said; “I bless her to win a gold medal in her event and be a world champion”.
Srabani had stormed into the Rio Olympics clocking 23.07 seconds in the 200-metre run in the XXVI International Meet G. Kosanov Memorial at Almaty in Kazakhstan on June 26. The Olympic qualifying timing for 200 metre run was 23.20 seconds.
She has also qualified to participate in the 4X100 metre relay race along with Dutee, Srabani, HM Jyothi and Merylin Joseph.