Rousing welcome to CWG hero Ravi Kumar at Berhampur

BERHAMPUR: Orissa weightlifter K Ravi Kumar returned home on Wednesday after winning a gold medal at the XIX Commonwealth Games last week in New Delhi. The 22-year-old lifter was accorded a warm reception by his family members, well-wishers and officials on his arrival here at the Biju Patnaik Airport. After landing at the airport around 9.20 am, Ravi Kumar spent 45 minutes inside the lounge, waiting for his family members to arrive. A large team from Berhampur, including Ravi’s mother and sister, the city mayor, Orissa Weightlifting Association secretary Narayan Sahu and members of Veer Hanuman Club, his first training centre, greeted him with garlands and bouquets. State Sports Director Siba Prasad Mishra also greeted him at the airport. Ravi Kumar, who bagged the gold medal with new Games record in the 69 kg class, later called on Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Revenue Minister Surya Narayan Patra before leaving for his home town Berhampur. Talking to mediapersons, the 22-year-old lifter said he would continue to train diligently in Pune with an aim to win medal in the Asian Games and the Olympics. Later in the evening Ravi Kumar reached his home town Berhampur where he received a rousing welcome from the waiting crowd and the state administration.

Sources: New Indian Express, Dharitri, Orissa Sambad