Weightlifting champs make pots to continue their sport

Sat Singh

Tribune News Service

Bhiwani, April 26

Time when the Haryana Government promises to promote sports among women in the state, two girls — Renu Verma and Sanju Verma of Dhanimahu village under the Tosham block of the district — have to make and sell clay articles to keep up with their passion for weightlifting.

Cousins Renu Verma (21) and Sanju Verma (20) won gold and silver, respectively, in the North-India Powerlifting Championship which was held in Shimla last month.

Sharing their routine, Renu and Sanju, who belong to the Kumhar community, said, “We get up at 3 am and make clay articles till 8 am. We then rush to Degree College, Tosham, and thereafter attend power and weightlifting practice session for about four hours every day. We resume the clay work on reaching home.” Their parents work as labourers.

Expressing concern on the expensive power sports, they said: “On an average, it takes Rs10, 000 per month to keep oneself in tandem with the sport. Since there is no monetary aid from the government, we have to make earthen pots.”

“We are hopeful of making it big one day. Despite all odds, we will bring laurels to the state,” said Sanju. “The girls are hard working and very talented. Come what may, they never miss their practice session,” Gopal Krishan, the coaches of the cousins at Vaish College, Bhiwani, said. “If they get support, their achievements will multiply,” he added.