It was in 2013 that Sita Sahu an athlete from Madhya Pradesh was all over the news due to unfulfilled promised by the government. Lack of funds made a double bronze medal winner at the 2011 Special Olympics in Athens to sell gol gappas with her mother and siblings in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh.
After winning medals the government promised cash reward for the young girl but failed to deliver the promise leaving her career hanging in balance. The negligence forced her to give up her sporting career to make ends meet for her family. Her family on an average earned Rs 150-180 a day and negligence by the officials brought her career to a complete standstill as she along with her three siblings was making the base for their chaats in their one-room house.
Post all the media hype Sahu and her family was finally given their due, which helped them in leading a different life. The Madhya Pradesh government finally fulfilled their promise of rewarding her family.
Not only the government but National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) awarding Sita Rs 6 lakh for her medals. Speaking to website wonderfulwoman Sita’s mother, Kiran Sahu said “I never thought it would happen. We had lost all hope. Now, we have a better life, the credit goes to my daughter,”.
(Photo: Facebook)
Funds that Sita received helped her fulfill her dreams restart her athletics career. “We had no money. My career was over and I couldn’t even think of pursuing studies given my family responsibilities. All that has changed now,” said Sita.
Sita’s father, who used to work as a daily wage laborer, too increased their chaat business with a concrete shop.
