Powerlifter Prem Kadam's mother sells mangalsutra to fund his participation in the Asian Powerlifting Championship after state refuses to help
Powerlifter Prem Kadam's mother sells mangalsutra to fund his participation in the Asian Powerlifting Championship after state refuses to help
Being seeded at the national level does not ensure your participation in an international championship. Prem Kadam (32), a Dadar-based powerlifter, who was ranked fifth at the national level last year, learnt this the hard way. He received no sponsorship from the state to participate in the Asian Powerlifting Championship in Karnataka on May 1. In fact, his mother had to sell her mangalsutra to fund his participation in the competition.
"I was selected to represent India at the Asian Powerlifting Championship, but fell short of funds to register for the competition. I had lost all hope, but when my mother learnt that I would miss the championship due to the financial crisis, she sold her mangalsutra," said Kadam.
An amount of Rs 36,000 is what Kadam needed to participate in the competition. But his earnings were not sufficient and all he could collect was Rs 16,000. "I even put forth my request to the Maharashtra Powerlifting Association, but the state government did not offer me any help. In fact, authorities told me that all selected candidates have to bear their own expenses," said Kadam, who works as a driver for a TV channel.u00a0
Kadam was dejected that his mother had to sell her mangalsutra for the competition. "I did not want to inform my mother that I was falling short of funds, but I was left with no choice. I will never forget her sacrifice. I'm determined to win this championship. I will buy her mangalsutra back after I return," said Kadam, who will leave for the championship on Sunday.u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0
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However, his mother Kusum has no regrets. "It was my son's dream and I can buy the mangalsutra again. It does not cost more than Prem's happiness. I'm positiveu00a0u00a0 and confident that he will win the championship," she said.u00a0u00a0
Kadam's achievement
Rank 5 at the national level in 2008
Rank 4 at the national level in 2006
The strongest powerlifter at the state level inu00a02003u00a0u00a0
18 medals, including seven golds, at the district level
Rs 36,000
The amount Prem Kadam needed to participate in the competition
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