In an inspiring tale of grit emerging from Chennai, a 20-year-old college student has lifted her way to international glory, overcoming significant financial hurdles. V S Yogalakshmi, a powerlifter, recently clinched a gold medal at a global meet in Thailand, lifting an astounding 142.5 kilograms – more than twice her own body weight.
From Pandemic Struggles to the Podium
The journey to the top was far from easy for Yogalakshmi. Her family, like many others, faced severe income loss during the dark days of the COVID-19 pandemic, putting her dream of competitive powerlifting in serious jeopardy. However, with relentless practice and unwavering determination, she fought her way back. Her moment of triumph came in November at the United World Sports and Fitness Federation meet in Thailand, where she outperformed participants from 21 countries to secure the international title.
"Waking up around 5am and hitting the gym for 1.5 hours every day was difficult at first, but it helped me build stamina," Yogalakshmi shared. Her institution, Ethiraj College for Women, played a crucial role by sponsoring her expenses for the Thailand contest. Her daily regimen and the college's support were pivotal in this achievement.
Family Support and Financial Hopes
The financial aspect of training remains a challenge. Yogalakshmi's father, V Sathish Kumar, a cab driver with an annual income of about 2 lakh rupees, revealed that managing her training costs approximately 75,000 rupees a year. While her college and gym coaches—J. Ivin, Karvendan, and V.S Nandhagopal—pitch in, Kumar harbors a hope shared by many parents of aspiring athletes. "I hope she earns the money herself soon to fuel her own passion," he said, expressing his desire for her financial independence through the sport.
Inspiring a State-Wide Movement
Yogalakshmi's victory has resonated powerfully back home, becoming a beacon of inspiration. On Sunday, she received a hero's welcome at a state-level women's powerlifting contest in Chennai, organized by the Tamil Nadu Sports and Powerlifting Welfare Association. The event itself highlighted a growing fitness movement among women in the state.
More than 100 women from across Tamil Nadu participated, with a notable number aged between 40 and 55. The contest was not just for seasoned athletes; it attracted many first-timers. R Krishnapriya, who brought her five-year-old son along, said, "Fitness became a way of my life two years ago, but this is the first time I'm participating in a contest. I am here for the experience alone."
The event also saw supportive family members, like Sai Ram from Mylapore, who was present to cheer for his wife attempting to deadlift over 100kg. "We both have been working out, and our coach identified that her form was good. She has been doing this for over a year now," he said proudly.
Geetha Maharajan, coach and secretary of the association, emphasized the importance of the sport for women's health. "After 40, lifting is essential for women as they face a lot of health problems. Besides building muscles and boosting confidence, powerlifting gives women a sense of purpose," she stated, underlining the holistic benefits beyond competition.
V S Yogalakshmi's story is no longer just about personal victory. It has sparked motivation across districts, encouraging women of various ages to embrace strength training, compete, or simply experience the empowering world of powerlifting, proving that resilience can indeed lift more than just weights.
