A ‘gold’ for GOLD, literally

 

 City powerlifter Rashmi sells her jewellery to take part in World Powerlifting C’ship, wins gold for India

By Paritosh Pramanik

SPORTSPERSONS go to extreme limit to achieve their dream. Some toil hard under the sun, some burn midnight oil and there are a few who do away with their hard-earned money to fulfil their dreams.
City’s powerlifter Rashmi Iyer belongs to the last category. With fire in her belly, the city’s fitness trainer claimed gold medal for India at the Powerlifting World Championship 2024 which was held at Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan and was organised by WPC Federation.
However, reaching the podium was not an easy ask for Rashmi, mother of a 13-year-old son. The first and biggest challenge was arranging funds for her journey. As the team was not supported by the Indian Government, Rashmi had to arrange funds on her own.
“I went to several corporate houses in Nagpur but returned empty-handed. Even the politicians refused to help me out. With no help, I decided to take the biggest risk of my life. I sold some of my gold jewellery and broke my husband’s Ganesh’s savings (FD’s). My only dream was to win gold for the country and I was ready to go to any extent. My hardwork paid and I managed to clinch the yellow metal for India in Kyrgyzstan,” Rashmi told ‘The Hitavada’ after clinching the prestigious medal.
The journey was difficult as Rashmi had to double up her preparation. “I was trying to qualify for the World Championship for the last four years. I suffered a lower back injury 15 days prior to the championship and then was diagnosed with dengue. Still I was determined to participate in this championship,” narrated Rashmi, who is a five-time national powerlifting champion. “I’m overjoyed and proud of my achievement,” Rashmi exclaimed.
Competing in the under 60kg category (57.4kg), Rashmi lifted an impressive total
of 227.5kg, securing the gold medal beating around 600+ athletes from more than 20
countries.
“This victory is a testament to my hard work, dedication, and the support of my team and family.”
Rashmi has now set her sights on breaking the world record. “I will now be targeting the world record next year. For that I will start preparing immediately,” she signed off.