Mabia takes the weight off shoulders

SA Games gold medalist Mabia Aktar Simanta has made weightlifting popular in Bangladesh after gaining fame on the international stage. But despite overcoming social and economic barriers and decorating her cabinet with achievements, her list of discontents is long. In a video podcast with The Daily Star, Mabia said that she could have scaled greater heights had she received adequate facilities and a planned structure.

"I am the most decorated weightlifter in the country. I won the most of medals despite the very limited facilities that I was provided with. Without proper long-term planning, I'm expected to win medals at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games. And when I fail, all the fingers are pointed at me, not those behind the scenes.

"My point is, before asking why Mabia failed to win medals at big events, they [the authorities] should question themselves. You expect Mabia to win medals, but have you ever provided Mabia with the things she expected from you, things that would help her prepare for the medals? So Mabia won't give you what you expect from her."