The Golden Stars - Fast, Fierce, Fantastic: Swapna, Jhulan and Rani Rampal dazzle at India Today Conclave East 2018

Swapna Barman, the first Indian heptathlete to win an Asian Games gold, said she was now nervous and scared after her success because of the expectations building up around her. Swapna was present at India Today's East Conclave 2018 and spoke of how her life changed overnight after her historic achievement.

Swapna, former India cricket captain Jhulan Goswami and Indian hockey captain Rani Rampal spoke in the first session of the day: The Golden Stars - Fast, Fierce, Fantastic.

Swapna was a little nervous to start off with. After being assured that every member of the audience at the India Today conclave was there to cheer for her and applaud her remarkable feat, Swapna opened up and said she was overawed by all the adulation.

"I don't know what to say. For me, the Asian Games medal was very important. It's not just a job. I don't know what to say.

"I am scared now.. Earlier my parents and coach wanted me to win, to do well. Now, all my countrymen want me to win an Olympic medal. That expectation makes me nervous... What if I can't deliver?"

Swapna said she was surprised to see so many people waiting for her when she reached home.

"When I reached home, I did not expect so many people would come to meet me. I did not even think someone would cry for me. My mumma cried a lot.. I had not gone home for a year," she said.

Swapna is flooded with offers for advertisements, interviews now. People line up to meet with her, take selfies and autographs. Her life has literally changed overnight and the simple girl from Bengal is trying to make sense of all the adulation and fanfare.

"Life has changed. I have not. People's approach has changed... I had never thought - this is all a dream? Am I sleeping?"

Well, she is not. This is her reality. She is now a star.

There were two other stars as well.

Jhulan, the most successful ODI bowler in wome's cricket, spoke of her trials and triublations. Starting off as a cricketer was not easy because her parents did not understand sports. But she persevered and strived hard.

"I would like to thank India Today for inviting me. I was just chasing my dream. When I saw women playing cricket, I saw the India vs Australia match in 1997.... I thought I could represent India for 1 match, 1 over and get 1 wicket. I was chasing that dream and it was difficult to convince my famuly. They do not understand sports.

"When I played for India, when my captain gave me the first over... the entire repsonsibilty on my shoulder.. I cannot take this sport for granted. I have to do well every day otherwise many players are waiting to take my place in the side," she said.