Born just 15 years ago in Dhenkanal, Odisha, Priteesmita Bhoi has already etched her name in the annals of Indian sports. The young weightlifter made the nation proud by winning a gold medal at the IWF World Youth Weightlifting Championships 2024. Competing in the 40kg weight class, Priteesmita lifted a total of 133 kg (57 kg in snatch and 76 kg in clean & jerk), securing the top spot. Adding to her achievements, she was honored with the prestigious Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar by President Droupadi Murmu in New Delhi, recognizing her excellence and contribution to sports. Behind her triumphant smile, however, lies a story of resilience, determination, and perseverance. Orphaned at the tender age of two, Priteesmita was raised by her single mother, who instilled in her the strength to dream big and achieve greater heights. Today, Priteesmita stands as a symbol of hope and inspiration for many young girls across India. In an exclusive interview, the teenage sensation opened up about her journey, the challenges she overcame, and her aspirations for the future.

 

Q: How does it feel to represent India on a global stage at such a young age?

A: I feel very proud to represent my country on a global level. I’m also happy that, despite coming from a small city in Odisha, I managed to win a gold medal for India at the international level.

 

Q: What inspired you to take up weightlifting, and how did you stay motivated through the challenges you faced early in life?

A: I didn’t even know what weightlifting was at first. One day, I was crying because I lost a race competition in school. My coach, Gopal Sir, saw me crying and told me I could do really well in weightlifting. I trusted his advice and started training under him. That’s how my journey began, and it changed my life.

 

Q: What was going through your mind during your record-breaking performance at IWF World Youth Championships?

A: Honestly, there were no thoughts in my mind during the performance. If I had let myself think too much, I might have lost focus. Staying calm and composed helped me achieve my goal.

 

Q: What does your typical day of training look like? Can you share any specific routines or habits that have helped you excel?

A: I don’t follow any very tough routines. I wake up in the morning, freshen up, have breakfast, and then head to the gym for training. I usually train twice a day.

 

Q: Balancing academics and professional sports can be challenging. How do you manage both, and what role does education play in your life?

A: It is very challenging for me. I’m in 10th standard and preparing for my board exams. You can’t excel in both fields at the same time, so I consider myself an average student academically. Somehow, I manage both.

 

Q: Who has been your biggest inspiration or role model in the field of weightlifting, and why?

A: I deeply admire and adore Mirabai Chanu Didi. She is my biggest motivation. I love how effortlessly she performs in weightlifting. In the early days of my training, I often doubted myself, but seeing her inspired me to keep going.

 

Q: What were the biggest challenges you faced in your journey so far, and how did you overcome them?

A: Honestly, I didn't face any major challenges. Initially, I had doubts about excelling in weightlifting, but my mother's mental and financial support, along with my coach's guidance, helped me overcome them and achieve success.

 

Q: What message would you like to share with young athletes, especially girls, who aspire to follow in your footsteps? A: Follow your passion in whatever field interests you. Passion is very important. Have big dreams, work hard, and stay focused. With determination, you can make your dreams come true. n