Pratima Puhan and (right) Pramila Prava Minz in Cuttack on Tuesday. Telegraph picture

Cuttack, Nov. 23: Oriya rowers Pratima Puhan and Pramila Prava Minz, who created history by winning bronze at the ongoing Asian Games in China, returned home to a rousing welcome at the Cuttack railway station here today.

The duo won the bronze medal on November 19 in the women’s pair rowing event at the 16th Asian Games being held at Guangzhou in China.

“The competition was very tough but I had practiced a lot. I thank god and everybody who supported me. My next target is to qualify and win a medal for the country in Olympics,” said a jubilant Pramila Prava Minz.

Her partner Pratima Puhan attributed her success to her parents and her coach. “I thank god and dedicate this success to my parents and coach,” said Puhan, adding that “a lot needs to be done by the state government to improve the facilities for sportspersons in the state”.

The duo had taken 7:47:50 seconds’ time to finish third behind girls from China and Kazakhstan, who won gold and silver medals in the event respectively.

“The players worked very hard. Everyday, they used to practice for 5 to 6 hours, and it is due to their dedication and hard work that they have been in wining medals in the Asian Games,” Orissa rowing coach J. Jacob said.

Besides the representatives of the Orissa Olympic Association, the state sports department and the Rowing Association, inmates of the Sai Sports Hostel and other sports-lovers thronged the city railway station to welcome the bronze winners.

“It is a big achievement for the country as well as the state. For the first time, girls from the state have won a medal representing the country in a big competition. Rowing is gradually gaining popularity, and with this achievement, we hope that the government would fully support the development of the game and the players,” secretary of the Orissa Rowing Association Binod Das said.

“Both Pratima and Pramila have brought laurels to the state and the country on many occasions. While continuing their superb performance, they have done even better this time. I hope their performance will inspire the younger generation of players in the state,” assistant director of state sports department Kishore Mania said.

Earlier, the state government had announced a cash reward of Rupees 3 lakh each to Pratima and Pramila for winning bronze in the Asian Games. Pleased with their prize-winning performance, Puhan and Minz have expressed their desires to do even better in future representing their state and country on the world stage.