Cabinet minister Sukhda Pandey felicitates Smita in Patna on Thursday. Picture by Nagendra Kumar Singh

Patna, Dec. 2: Smita Kumari was felicitated by Sukhda Pandey, cabinet minister for art, culture and youth affairs, at Vikas Bhavan today. Smita, a member of the gold medal winning kabaddi team at the recently concluded Guangzhou Asian Games in China, received a plaque from the minister.

Felicitating Smita, Pandey said: “Smita has not only made India proud but the people of Bihar as well. All of us are very proud that Smita has brought such a laurel to the state. The government would also felicitate Smita at a ceremony in Bharitya Nitya Kala Mandir. The state government would soon present Smita a cash reward as well.

Smita, who is employed with Indian Railways since 2008, told The Telegraph: “I fulfilled the promise I made before leaving for the games. This is indeed a great moment for me and it is a great privilege to be honoured like this by my state.”

She added: “I have dedicated my medal to all the Biharis whose blessings are with me.”

On her experience at the games, she said: “The women’s kabaddi team made history on its Asian Games debut. The contest was tough, especially against Iran and Bangladesh. I will always remember the day of the final when we defeated Thailand.”

However, Smita also put forward a few grievances before Pandey. She said: “It is good that I am being felicitated for my achievement. But why can’t Bihar produce more such girls like other states? Look at Haryana. They bagged seven medals and here I am the only one from my state. We have to create an ambience where more girls can come forward to play.”

She added: “Our state can produce many Smitas but we lack in certain things. We have to overcome our shortfalls. Kabaddi needs to be given more emphasis. I hope in the coming future this game will bring more laurels and happiness to the state.”

Pandey also reiterated Smita’s point. She said: “Smita’s achievement is because of her hard work and sincerity. We need more girls like Smita to bring laurels to the state.”

Smita, who belongs to Mokama, had earlier represented India at the South Asian Games in Sri Lanka in 2006. As captain of Bihar women’s kabaddi team for 10 years, Smita has won many laurels for the state and country. She thanked her coach Mukesh Kumar and the secretary of the state kabaddi association and team India manager Kumar Vijay for boosting her morale and encouraging her as that helped her entry into the national team.