‘Been in Front of the TV Since Yesterday’: Swapna Barman’s Father

The Indian heptathlete’s parents were overjoyed after her daughter won her historic gold medal at the Asian Games.

Sapna Barman clinched gold in the women’s Hepathlon

(Photo: AP)

Video Editor: Abhishek Sharma

Indian heptathlete Swapna Barman's mother was overjoyed after her daughter won her historic gold medal at the Asian Games in Jakarta on Wednesday, 30 August.

I’m feeling good. I had hoped that she would win gold. Now I am just waiting for her to return. 

Swapna Barman’s Mother

Belonging to Rajbbongshi tribe in North Bengal, Swapna's mother would work as a maid and also pluck leaves in tea gardens, while her father Panchanan Barman pulled van rickshaw till he got bedridden following a stroke 7 years ago.

I can’t begin to explain my joy in words. I have been in front of the TV since yesterday. I haven’t even eaten. I couldn’t eat. 

Swapna Barman’s Father

The 21-year-old Barman logged 6026 points from the 7 events competed for two days. En route the title, she won the high jump (1003 points) and javelin throw (872 points) events and finished second-best in shot put (707 points) and long jump (865 points).