The novel Coronavirus pandemic in the country has paralyzed the daily routine bring markets, companies, industries to a stagnant mode. In order to curb the spread of the deadly disease, the governments were bound to enforce a nationwide lockdown in the country. Though the measure was necessary, it brought huge income losses to people. Thousands of them lost their jobs and now struggle to make the ends meet. ALSO READ | WATCH: Coronavirus Induced Lockdown Forces Marathi Actor Roshan Shinge To Sell Vegetables For Living


One such victim is Jharkhand's state-level gold medalist athlete Geeta Kumari. An eight times gold medal winner at state-level walking competitions; and silver and bronze medal winner in competitions held in Kolkata, Geeta was forced to leave behind her practice and studies, and rather sell fruits and vegetables in the streets of Ramgarh district to earn the daily living.

Last week on June 26, Geeta was spotted selling vegetables on the streets when a motivational speaker and women activist Yogita Bhayana took to the social media urging governments to help the budding athlete.

Tagging Sport Minister Kiren Rijiju and Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, Yogita said, "This golden girl Geeta Kumari of Jharkhand is our pride. Today we all need to elevate the head of this pride, to help her. Today she is setting up a vegetable shop on the road. I request you to help her. Who know's one day she will be our new Olympic medalist?"

Upon acknowledging Geeta's financial conditions, CM Hemant Soren directed District Magistrate of Bokaro to assist Geeta Kumari Kumari financially so that she could pursue her athletics career.

According to a PTI report, the Ramgarh Deputy Commissioner (DC) Sandeep Singh gave a cheque of Rs 50,000 to Kumari on Monday and also announced Rs 3,000 monthly stipend to the athlete and arranged for her training at a sports centre.

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