Swapna defies odds to achieve her dreams

India's Swapna Barman reacts after winning the heptathlon gold.

Swapna Barman, who defied physical and financial odds to win India's first-ever Asian Games gold medal winner in heptathlon, was given Rs 10 lakh and a government job by Mamata Banerjee, Chief Minister of India's West Bengal state on Thursday.
She achieved her personal best score of 6026 points in the seven-event competition to earn India a first heptathlon gold in Asian Games.
Swapna often had a tough time finding the right competition shoes that would fit her as she was born with six toes in both feet.
The extra width of her feet makes landing painful and shoes wear out quickly. Her father Panchanan Barman was a rickshaw puller but has been bedridden for the last few years due to old age problems.
The West Bengal tourism minister Gautam Deb visited Swapna's residence in Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal on Thursday morning and made her mother speak to the CM.
"I travelled from Kolkata this morning on the instruction of CM. She wanted to speak to Swapna's mother. They had a fairly long conversation. We, on behalf of the government will extend whatever support that is needed to help her prosper further," Deb told IANS.
"I have a few plans in my mind to further help the family as they are in need. I will share them with the chief minister and then take it forward," Deb added.
The state Athletic Association, meanwhile, is also planning a felicitation ceremony when the 21-year-old returns around September 4.
From former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly, an icon from the state to batting great Sachin Tendulkar -- wishes poured in from all corners for Swapna.
"Congratulations to Swapna Burman @Swapna_Barman96 ..for her gold..we in India and Bengal are so happy and proud," Ganguly wrote on his Twitter handle.
"Brilliance in the track and field events again. Outstanding performances from @Swapna_Barman96 (who blazed ahead with a bandaged jaw & 6 toes on each foot)..." Tendulkar tweeted.
Swapna had finished fifth with a total of 5178 points on debut at the Asian Games four years ago in Incheon as a teenager.
She sparkled at the Asian Athletics championships last year, where she bagged the gold. 

• Athletics