Susmita Rai Debnath, also known as Susmita Debnath, has become a beacon of pride for India by winning three gold medals at the Asian Yoga Sports Cup in Dubai. However, behind her radiant smile lies a shadow of anxiety due to financial constraints that threaten her future in international competitions.
Hailing from Udaynarayanpur in Howrah, Susmita’s journey in yoga began at a young age. Her innate flexibility and strength caught the attention of her mother, Mamoni Debnath, who recognized her daughter’s potential and began teaching her yoga. This early foundation was further strengthened when Susmita’s primary school teacher introduced her to gymnastics, marking the beginning of her formal training.
Tragically, Susmita’s first yoga teacher, Arup Manna, passed away, which was a significant setback. Despite this, she persisted and continued her training under various mentors, including Arindam Sir in Bhawanipore and Arun Das at the Baksara Club in Santragachi. Her dedication paid off when she won multiple medals at the national level, including at the Khelo India Games and the National Games in Uttarakhand.
In October 2023, Susmita showcased her prowess at the National Games by winning gold in the Artistic Group, silver in the Traditional category, and bronze in the Artistic Solo event. Her remarkable performance earned her a spot in the Dubai competition, where she triumphed by securing gold in Traditional, Artistic, and Rhythmic Pair categories. Additionally, she was the runner-up in the Champion of Champions round, further cementing her status as a leading figure in yoga sports.
Despite these accolades, Susmita’s journey is fraught with financial difficulties. Her family’s modest means, supported by her father Shyamal Debnath’s small garment shop, and the responsibilities she shoulders, including teaching yoga to NCC students, leave little room for funding international travel. For her Dubai trip, Susmita had to rely on the generosity of relatives and friends, and even pawn her mother’s jewelry to cover expenses.
Now, with the Sri Lankan International Yoga Competition on the horizon in August, Susmita faces another financial hurdle. The registration for the event has started, but the cost of participation remains a significant barrier. While she received accolades and recognition upon returning from Dubai, financial support has been elusive.
Susmita remains hopeful and determined. She dreams of setting up an institute to train yoga teachers and plans to expand her initiatives to provide employment opportunities through yoga. However, the immediate challenge is to secure the funds needed for her upcoming competition in Sri Lanka.
Her story is a powerful reminder of the challenges faced by many talented athletes in India. Despite their achievements, financial support often falls short, threatening to cut short their promising careers. As Susmita continues to prepare for her next competition, her community and supporters hope that her perseverance and dedication will attract the necessary support to keep her dreams alive.
