Berhampur prays for Gold from K.Ravi Kuamr in the CWG Delhi 2010

BERHAMPUR: As the Commonwealth Games opens in New Delhi, people in Berhampur city performed 'yagna' and the civic authorities erected hoardings wishing luck to local weightlifter K Ravi Kumar who is participating in the mega event. Twenty two-year-old Ravi Kumar (69kg category) is one of the medal prospects for India. "I am very much hopeful for gold medal in CWG," Ravi, who will showcase his skills on Wednesday, said over phone from the Games Village in New Delhi. On his personal target in the Games, he said he aimed at lifting a total of 330 kg, which is way ahead of the effort required for gold medal. "During the training I did a total of 335 kg and I hope to lift 330 kg easily," he said. People of this 'silk city' are wishing him success in the mega event. While Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BMC) has put up big hoardings wishing him success, 'Veer Hanuman Club', from where he had started his career, has performed 'yagna' for his success. "His success is not only for Berhampur, but for the country. So we performed ritual before Lord Hanuman wishing his success," said Narayan Sahu, the president of the club. Source: Times of India