In the women’s 50kg final at the Khelo India Tribal Games, Jharkhand wrestler Poonam Oraon, despite wrestling with a dislocated shoulder, clinched the gold medal. Poonam, who first injured her shoulder at age 10, battled through the pain to emerge victorious over her opponent from Telangana.
Before the final match, Poonam had to heavily strap her injured shoulder to compete. Despite the discomfort, she persevered and defeated her rival to secure her first gold medal at a national-level event. Poonam’s determination and resilience shone through as she reflected on her journey of overcoming injuries to achieve success.
Hailing from Suiyabar village in Jharkhand’s Chatra district, Poonam’s wrestling career has been marred by injuries. Despite the challenges, she never gave up on her dream of winning a gold medal. With unwavering support from her coach and family, Poonam’s triumph at the Khelo India Tribal Games marks a significant milestone in her wrestling journey.
Balancing her academic pursuits with her athletic ambitions, Poonam, currently studying Political Science at Ranchi University, sets her sights on qualifying for the Junior Nationals. Her remarkable comeback and dedication to the sport serve as an inspiration to aspiring wrestlers nationwide.
