“Adversity may paint our background with the hues of financial poverty, but within us lies the extraordinary power to flourish and transcend these circumstances. Our spirit knows no bounds, and with resilience as our guide, we can paint a masterpiece of success, proving that our worth is not defined by our wealth”
The nation of India has witnessed the remarkable achievements of renowned individuals such as Mary Kom, Sania Mirza, Saina Nehwal, PV Sindhu, and Sakshi Malik, who have brought immense glory on the international stage. Now, we proudly add another name to this illustrious list – Jhilli Dalabehera. Jhilli had the privilege of representing the Indian team in the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship held in Greater Noida, where she emerged victorious and secured a medal.
Jhilli’s Journey
Dalabehera’s success is truly monumental, but her journey to reach this point was fraught with immense challenges. Hailing from Nayagarh, Odisha, she belongs to a financially disadvantaged family. Due to their impoverished circumstances, her father, Biswanath Dalabehera, did not initially support her involvement in sports. However, at the age of 13, Jhilli received unwavering support from her mother and sister, enabling her to pursue a career in sports. She ventured to Bhubaneswar and resided in the Kalinga Stadium hostel, where she dedicated himself to her athletic aspirations.
In 2016, Jhilli made her mark in the field of weightlifting by clinching the title of Youth National Champion. This achievement paved the way for her participation in her first international competition in Malaysia. She excelled in the Junior Commonwealth Championships of 2016, securing a silver medal, followed by a bronze at the Junior Nationals, a gold at the Commonwealth Junior Championships in 2017, a bronze at the Junior World Championships in 2018, and a silver at the Asian Junior Championships in the same year.
A turning point in her career came in 2019 when Jhilli was awarded the Reliance Foundation Youth Sports Scholarship. This remarkable opportunity not only provided him with financial assistance but also granted her access to sports-related medical facilities. Riding on this support, she went on to secure gold medals at the Commonwealth Senior Championships. And the South Asian Games held in Nepal during the same year.
Today, Jhilli Dalabehera proudly leads the Indian team, consistently adding more medals to the country’s tally, exemplifying that daughters are equally capable. The Better India extends heartfelt congratulations to Jhilli for her tremendous victory, applauding her indomitable spirit and unwavering dedication.
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