Meet Swapna Barman, A Rickshaw Driver¡¯s Daughter Who Fought Her Way To Win Gold At Asian Games

Of tears, struggle, perseverance, fight and dreams - the story of Swapna Barman is incredibly inspiring.

Born in Jalpaiguri, West Bengal, Swapna has fought all the odds to have an inspiring career. Having had a difficult childhood due to her family's financial difficulties, she has had to overcome grave circumstances to be where she is today.

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Now an Asian Games gold medal winner, Swapna is one of India's best heptathlon players. But it hasn't been an easy road to the top. She was born with six toes on each foot, and found it difficult to find the right footwear.

The unusual situation also caused her pain, making it more difficult to cut out in any sport. The easiest way around would have been to give up on her sports dream, but Swapna was not going to go down that route.

She worked tirelessly and sweated it out to make a career in heptathlon. After making the grade and consistently performing in various state and national level tournaments, she took part in 2014 Asian Games. Swapna put up a brave fight to finish fifth.

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In 2016, she won a scholarship of 150,000 rupees in recognition of the success she had at athletics. She selflessly used that money to look after her family who have lived in financial difficulties.

The West Bengal native had her first moment of reckoning in 2017, when she won the gold at Asian Athletics Championships. It was a win fitting of the fight shown by the young girl who never gave up on her dreams.

Swapna went on to script history a year later as she won gold at the Asian Games. It was another feather in a very promising cap.

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She continues to do well and win laurels for the country. At the Asian Athletics Championships this year, Swapna again showed great character to win a silver medal. It was another one for the career that is set to be laden with glittering honours.

In August, her achievements were rewarded with she was honoured with the Arjuna Award. A richly deserving honour considering the achievements on track and filed.

Currently recovering from a back injury, Swapna Barman is expected to be back to full training at the start of 2020. She will be looking to get back at it, and qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

A tale that is inspiring and remarkably strong. From fighting poverty to winning big in life, Swapna Barman is showing us how to never give up on our dreams.