Asian Powerlifting Championship gold medallist Arthi Arun created a new success story for herself as she bagged five gold medals in the Commonwealth Powerlifting and Bench Press Championships
“I am the only woman who has taken part in both Asian platform and Commonwealth Powerlifting Championship. It is a very proud thing for me. After winning, I expected a lot of appreciation and support but I was not appreciated and was not given much support,” Arun told ANI.
She said she expected some support in light of her achievements.
The medals are from the 72 kg category. They started on September 15 and ended on September 21 and as many as 28 Indians took part in the competition.
Arthi Arun said that she mailed Centre and State governments, requesting a reward and some appreciation.
“After my Asian Championship, I even sent an email to the Centre and State, requesting them for reward and appreciation. But they sent an email to me saying they will look into the matter but till now nobody has replied to me,” she said.
“So, that is a letting down, as a sportsperson, at the end of the day when you come back to your motherland, you expect appreciation, you expect your people to love you and respect you for what you have done for the country,” Arun added.
She had also maintained that she is determined that she is not going to stop and will now partake in the World Championships.
“I will not stop; the fire in me is not going to stop. I am going to take part in the World Championship that is going to come in South Africa but if I am getting support from the government that will be an added bonus to me and I will really appreciate it,” she said.
With Inputs From ANI