‘Kunjarani has given me belief’
PUNE: Few athletes have inspired generations of sportspersons in a region the way former world weightlifting champion Kunjarani Devi has in Manipur. Since her triple silver-winning effort at the World Championships at Manchester in 1989, women lifters from the North-eastern state have been at the forefront of India’s quest for weightlifting medals in international competitions. At last year’s Commonwealth Games too, India’s first two gold medallists — Saikhom Mirabai Chanu and Sanjita Chanu Khumukcham — were the protégés of the legendary lifter.
On Saturday, Kunjarani’s influence was evident at the Khelo India Youth Games when Manipur’s Seram Nirupama Devi hailed the 50-year-old as her inspiration after clinching gold in U-21 women’s 64kg category.
“For every girl in Manipur, who wants to make it big in weightlifting, she is the role model. I am no different. She has given everyone belief that through hard work we all make our nation proud,” said Nirupama after lifting a total of 196kg to pip Andhra Pradesh’s G Lalitha, who recorded a total lift of 195kg to bag silver. Nirupama’s statemate K Roshilata Devi claimed bronze with a total lift of 186kg.
“She keeps in touch with all of us. I had met her for the first time in 2016 and then I met her last year as well. Kunjarani and my coach Ranjan sir have had the biggest influence on me over the years,” added Nirupama.
Nirupama took to weightlifting at the age of nine and though her parents, who are farmers and have three children, faced financial constraints, she received their support in her pursuits. She also credits her uncle for backing her in her career.