Swapna Barman, the 21-yearold Jalpaiguri girl who scripted history by winning the first heptathlon gold for the country in the Asian Games2018 in Indonesia arrived home amid a hero’s welcome today.

As Miss Barman came home for the first time after 11 months, she made a stopover in Siliguri and interacted with media persons. She was also felicitated in Siliguri by the Kamtapur Bhasha Sanskriti Mancha and the Siliguri Journalists’ Club.

Asked about the excitement to be home after such a long time, she said that good wishes for her poured from all corners of Bengal and that she was desperate to meet her parents after her victory.

Miss Barman, who often had a tough time finding the right competition shoes that would fit her feet that have six toes each, said the extra width of her feet makes landing painful and shoes wear out quickly.

Asked about the controversy surrounding her shoes, she said: “Everyone has assured me and showed concern for my shoes. However, I have not tried a single pair designed for me. But I am hopeful that I will get the right shoes designed for me. Moreover, I may be going to Germany to find the right competition shoes. Let us see what happens.

” Miss Barman also dedicated her victory to the organisation which groomed her in her “bad times.” “I would thank the Sports Authority of India (SAI), which groomed me since 2012, Go Sports Foundation (GSF), Target Olympic Podium ( TOP) Scheme, Athletics Federation of India (AFI) and many more who are still helping me. My next target is the 2020 Olympics,” she added.

Encouraging all athletes, she said, “Hard work always pays off, and most importantly, discipline is a must in what you do. Dreams are fulfilled with determination and devotion.”

The 21-year-old from Jalpaiguri scripted history in Jakarta when she achieved her personal best score of 6026 points in the seven-event competition to earn India the first heptathlon gold in any Asian Games. Her father, Panchanan Barman, was a rickshaw van puller until a stroke forced him to stay home, while her mother Basana Devi worked as a maid and plucked leaves in the tea garden.