Nagpur: And a young girl from city has proved the words very much true. This girl has scripted many a success story. If you are dedicated towards your avowed goal, nothing can come your way. With the ‘weighty’ and ‘powerful’ achievements, this girl, Alfiya Haroon Sheikh, has become an inspiration, not only for her beloved City of Nagpur but for the entire country. Alfiya undoubtedly is jewel in the Orange City’s crown by her own style!
The 19-year old Alfiya has proved her mettle in the otherwise male dominated arena – Powerlifting, a strength sport. That she entered the male dominated sport itself showcases her courage. The list of her achievements speaks volume of her skill and talent. And when it comes to achieving something extraordinary by someone ordinary, then it is an unparallel success. Alfiya Haroon Sheikh is a fine example of this unparalleled success. She did it by believing in herself and hard work and more so without any backing.
The daughter of Nagpur not only competed in small-big city level contests but won, not one or two or three but 29 gold medals at national and international level competitions. But the situation of penury and government apathy is forcing this extremely talented girl to do a petty job in a gymnasium and do the college study at the same time. Struggle is her childhood ally and still continues to be. Alfiya’s family is – father Haroon, mother Malika and three sisters Ajra, Aliya, and Amrin. As medical representative, Haroon suffered a heart attack and this forced him to set up a grocery shop in the house itself to run the ‘show’ of day-to-day chore. Mother is a house-maker. Youngest in the family, Alfiya is currently a second year student in Sakkardara-based Nagji Maharaj Physical Education College.
Despite all the glory Alfiya is a dejected girl. “I won 29 gold medals for the country. But nobody has taken note of this achievement. I am sad on this count. Today, I am not getting any sponsors. It is expected the government shares my burden for meeting day-to-day expenses as well as expenses for competing in international events. This year in October, World Powerlifting Championship is being organised in New Delhi from October 23 to 27. And I want to become champion. I am practising for this dream,” said Alfiya.
‘Strongest Teen Girl of India:’
Alfiya bagged gold medal in ‘Fit Line International Expo’ held at Delhi in November 2016. Later, she pocketed the gold medal in Western Divisional Powerlifting Championship held in Thane in December. With her outstanding feat in National Powerlifting Championship immediately after Thane event, Alfiya bagged the honour of ‘Strongest Teen Girl of India.’ She emerged as the youngest ‘powerlifter’ in India. She earned gold medal with a tally of 310 kg powerlifting including competing in 56 kg sub-junior, 110 kg squat, junior 55 kg bench press and 145 kg dead lift events. In all, Alfiya has won 29 gold medals in powerlifting events such as squat, bench press and dead lift. The 29 gold medals include 18 in national level contests and 11 in state-level competitions. She has won ‘Strong Woman of India’ and Strong Woman of Maharashtra’ titles while participating in sub-junior category events three times consecutively. She has emerged as the youngest and the first ‘powerlifter’ of the country to achieve the feat.
Ironically, Alfiya, a resident of Dashrath Nagar in Gittikhadan, is winning medals after medals fighting the poverty simultaneously. The picture is disgusting as not only the government but the local politicians have been turning a Nelson’s eye towards this ‘powerful’ girl. A struggle is going on in the hometown of Chief Minister. Is he listening?
World Powerlifting Championship:
Alfiya Sheikh has now set her eyes on the World Powerlifting Championship to be held in New Delhi in October. However, the practice and special diet costs a cool Rs 30,000 per month which is out of bounds for this poverty-ridden girl. Moreover, a special costume is must for competitors in powerlifting contests. To have the special costume she must have more than Rs 50,000.
Alfiya has found herself on the edge. At one side is a burning desire to win accolades for the country and put India on the world map in a male dominated sport and on the other side is poverty staring her face menacingly.
Needs financial support:
Philanthropists, social organisations, politicians, individuals must come forward and stand behind this city’s illustrious daughter. Taking a lead, the city-based Shri Dwarkadhish Pratishtan has appealed the interested entities to contribute their might for this noble cause.
The contributions can be made in the State Bank of India, Katol Road Branch Account Number 11 2049 2835 which is in the name of Alfiya’s father Haroon Sheikh. He can be contacted on his mobile phone number 9370 661 472 for further details.
