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Santosh, A National Level Powerlifting Champion Now Sells Tea For a Living

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Malvika Shah
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She The People Women In Sport

After a tragic accident during her training, Santosh a national level Powerlifting champion was forced to let go of her dream because of the injuries.

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Powerlifting is an intense sport which requires tremendous physical strength.  To her credit, Santosh has 7 gold medals for her marvellous performance in Powerlifting, but now after the tragic turn of events, she helps her father at his Tea stall and works as a bouncer. A native of Sonipat, Haryana, she has won many championships, and now expects some help from the government to get her a government job.

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She said "I was injured while training and had to discontinue Powerlifting. The government helped us with Rs. two lakh for the treatment when I got injured. I won many championships. I want the government to give me a job."

Santosh's father Rajendra Kumar has been very supportive of her dream and has always encouraged her, but now he wishes that she gets a government job so that he can marry her off. According to a report in Outlook Rajendra Kumar said,

The Government granted some money after she got injured, but it was all spent in her treatment. I have always supported my daughter. Never stopped her from following her dreams, since she has been injured the things have changed. We are urging the government to give her job. Then I will get her married.

Santosh is not alone in this struggle there are other sportspersons who are left with nothing after winning laurels for the state or nation. A similar incident came into the limelight of International Karate player Vandana Suryavanshi. In another such incident last year 20-year-old handball player, Pooja Kumari was found dead in Punjab’s Patiala town, after she hanged herself in her home. As per police reports, Kumari committed suicide because she was allegedly denied sports quota which entitled her to a free room and meals in her college hostel.

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national champion national champion sells tea Power-lifting
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