SHE LIFTED MORE THAN WEIGHTS

Whether it's in sports, career, family, or any passion, pursue it fiercely and on your own terms

“Aaj ki naari sab par bhari (Today's woman is full of everything).” Arathi Arun’s story leaves no doubt. From a dental surgeon to a powerlifting champion, she’s proven that today’s woman is unstoppable. Arathi’s journey into weightlifting commenced after her second pregnancy when she joined a gym to lose weight and get back in shape. One day, when she noticed men lifting heavy weights and was curious about it, her trainer’s response struck a nerve. He told her that powerlifting was ‘a man’s sport’ and not suitable for married women, especially those with kids.

“I wanted to prove that strength isn’t defined by gender and that women can excel in powerlifting as much as men. So, I took it up as a challenge. Initially, I began lifting light, gradually working my way up. It wasn’t always easy—especially recovering from a severe injury later—but the experience made me realise how passionate I am about this sport,” shares Arathi.

Initially, a coach offered to train her when she showed interest in powerlifting. However, she soon realised that he was mainly doing it for financial gain. His lack of proper training led to several muscle injuries due to improper technique. Undeterred Arathi turned to YouTube to learn about powerlifting and found inspiration in women around the globe who were lifting heavy weights.