Patna, November 29, 2010: Four years ago, when Rajiv Kumar Singh, a member of the gold winning Indian kabaddi team in Doha Asian Games, returned home, there were a few people, most of them were the members of the Bihar State Kabaddi Association, at the Patna Junction to accord him welcome. Rajiv’s was the lone gold medalist from Bihar. After four years, Smita Kumari, a member of the gold medal winning Indian women's kabbadi team in the Guangzhou Asian Games in China, reached here to a tumultuous reception. Sports lovers and Bihar Water Resources Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary received her on arrival from New Delhi at the Jaya Prakash Narayn international airport.
Speaking on the occasion Bihar Minister said that Smita had not only brought pride to India but also for people of Bihar.
He said government would felicitate Smita soon and also offered her a job. Smita is at present working with East Central Railway, Danapur division.
A virtually overwhelmed Smita said she had fulfilled the promise she made before leaving for participating in the Games. “It was great moment for me when we defeated Thailand in the finals and I will always remember the day,” she said.
The women's kabbadi team made history on its debut at the Asian Games.
She thanked her Bihar’s coach Mukesh Kumar and Secretary of the Bihar State Kabbadi Association and manager of the Indian women kbaddi team Kumar Vijay for boosting her morale and offering encouragement that helped her entry into the national team.
Smita, who hails from village Maranchi (Mokama) in Patna district, said she had dedicated the gold medal to the people of Bihar.
Indian women kabaddi team manager Kumar Vijay, who accompanied Smita in the same flight said Indian teams had created history in the both sections. “In the men’s section, the gold medal was sixth time in a row, whereas in the women's section India got the gold in the debut”, he said.
Photos: Aftab Alam Siddiqui
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