Versatile Odisha woman martial artist and powerlifter Anupama Swain won the bronze medal in women white belt 49 kg category of the World Amateur Jiu-Jitsu Championship in Abu Dhabi, the capital of United Arab Emirates (UAE) on 5 November 2023.

Originally a karateka, 32-year-old Anupama, captured the bronze, defeating Ana Arrais of Brazil in the repechage final by 3-0 points. The Odisha martial artist started her campaign with a bang, beating Aleyet Ali of Iran by submission in the first round.

But in the second round, Anupama lost to eventual gold medal winner Alina Bayserkeyeva of Kazakhstan by 0-4 points. Despite the loss, she qualified for the repechage round. Ju-jitsu, also known as jiu-jitsu and ju-jutsu, is a Japanese martial art.

This was the first World ju-jitsu championship medal for Anupama, who has the reputation of winning one silver and two bronze medals in the Asian Ju-Jitsu Championship between 2021 and 2023. She also represented India in the recent Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.

In order to compete in the Abu Dhabi World Amateur Championship, Anupama trained at Atrixion MMA Academy in Dubai. Department of Sports & Youth Services, Government Odisha and BNP Group chairman Dr Biswanath Patnaik sponsored the participation of Anupama in the Abu Dhabi World Amateur Championship.

A police constable, Anupama is now working at the State Sports Department on deputation. Hailing from Saras village of Keonjhar district, she started her sports career under the guidance of karate guru Hari Prasad Pattanayak at Utkal Karate School, Bhubaneswar in 2010.