Orissa powerlifters hit the headlines as five of them returned home with a rich haul of medals, including four golds in the Asian Championship, which was held at Mongolian capital Ulaanbaatar from May 1 to 6.

According to reports published in local dailies, Samita Barik, Sangita Singh (both women category); Purna Chandra Bidika, Kartik Chandra Jena (both master category) bagged gold, while Mandakini Mahanta (woman) claimed bronze. All the four gold medallists also stood first in all three events (squat, benchpress and deadlift). But according to reliable sources, winning medals was easy for most of the Orissa lifters as they had no other competitor in their weight and age categories.

Rourkela-based Samita and Sangita were sponsored by Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL), providing the duo Rs 96,000 each towards travel expenses. Other lifters also received financial assistance from different sponsors.