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Kolkata, Aug 30: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday announced a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh and a government job for Swapna Barman, India's first-ever Asian Games gold medal winner in heptathlon.

State tourism minister Gautam Deb visited Swapna's residence in Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal on Thursday morning and made her mother speak to the CM.

"I travelled from Kolkata this morning on the instruction of CM. She wanted to speak to Swapna's mother. They had a fairly long conversation. We, on behalf of the government will extend whatever support that is needed to help her prosper further," Deb told IANS.

"I have a few plans in my mind to further help the family as they are in need. I will share them with the chief minister and then take it forward," Deb added.

The state Athletic Association, meanwhile, is also planning a felicitation ceremony when the 21-year-old returns around September 4.

"We have to do something for sure. Let her comeback. She has made the country proud and she is the toast of the nation now. Let's see what we can do from our side," West Bengal Athletic Association secretary Kamal Maitra told IANS.

Swapna scripted history in Jakarta on Wednesday when she achieved her personal best score of 6026 points in the seven-event competition to earn India a first heptathlon gold in Asian Games.

The golden girl defied physical and financial odds to reach the pinnacle. Swapna's father, Panchanan Barman was a rickshaw puller but has been bedridden for the last few years due to old age problems.

Swapna often had a tough time finding the right competition shoes that would fit her as she was born with six toes in both feet.

The extra width of her feet makes landing painful and shoes wear out quickly.

From former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly, an icon from the state to batting great Sachin Tendulkar -- wishes poured in from all corners for Swapna.

"Congratulations to Swapna Barman @Swapna_Barman96 ..for her gold..we in India and Bengal are so happy and proud," Ganguly wrote on his Twitter handle.

"Brilliance in the track and field events again. Outstanding performances from @Swapna_Barman96 (who blazed ahead with a bandaged jaw & 6 toes on each foot)..." Tendulkar tweeted.

Swapna had finished fifth with a total of 5178 points on debut at the Asian Games four years ago in Incheon as a teenager.

She sparkled at the Asian Athletics championships last year, where she bagged the gold.

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Several users on ‘X’ on Thursday and Friday shared claims that LPG cylinders booked at 11:45 AM were being delivered within just two hours, prompting humorous and curious reactions online. 

Meanwhile netizens quickly responded to the sudden similar bookings by many users.

One ‘X’ user tweeted, “Booked a Bharat Gas LPG cylinder at 11:45 AM today and it was delivered at my doorstep by 1:30 PM. Without any extra cash or charges. I asked the delivery guy if there was any shortage. His reply was negative. This copy is circulating 👇.”

Another user questioned the timing, asking, “How can all book at the same time?” while a separate post wondered, “Why is everyone booking LPG at 11:45 AM?”

Many netizens joked about the posts. One wrote, “Everyone is booking LPG gas cylinders at 11:45 AM, and surprisingly it’s getting delivered in two hours. IT cell has some special gas agency. Is it LPG or Naale ka Gas?” 

One urged, “Please tell these hundreds of people to book at 11:45 AM too,” sharing a photo of people standing in ques.

“Booked an Indane Gas LPG cylinder at 11:46 AM today and it wasnt delivered at my doorstep by 2:30 PM. I asked the delivery guy, why didn't he deliver. He replied cylinders were delivered only to people who booked exactly at 11:45 AM,” wrote another. 

 

One user asked, “What was the auspicious occasion to book at 11:45 AM?” while another tweeted, “I am going to book a gas cylinder at 11:45 AM tomorrow, hope Modi Ji will deliver it by 1:30.”

“I want to ask one thing… If I book an LPG cylinder tomorrow at 11:45 AM and the gas agency is unable to deliver it by 1:30 PM, will it be free like Domino’s pizza, or will I get it at some discounted price? BJP IT Cell experts, please confirm so that I can book my LPG cylinder tomorrow exactly at 11:45 AM,” said another humorously.

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