Unstoppable: Inspiring Senior Women Athletes in India


India’s Late Bloomer Athletes Prove Age is Just a Number

In the world of sports, these inspiring women, often referred to as India’s late bloomers, have shown immense skill, determination, and grit as they compete and excel in District, State, and National-level sporting competitions. Their ultimate goal is to enter the international arena and bring home the gold, proving that age is simply a number.

Reeni Tharakan, at 63 years old, has shattered misconceptions about powerlifting, firmly stating, “Powerlifting means heavy muscle, and you’ll end up looking like male bodybuilders” is the biggest misconception women have with regard to powerlifting. This is not true. Women do not have the same kind of hormones as men to build that kind of muscle. Under the tutelage of an experienced trainer, you can be guided to excel without hurting yourself.” Despite facing opposition from some family members due to her conservative background, Reeni has found unwavering support from her husband and daughters, allowing her to continue pursuing her passion. Recently, she achieved remarkable success at the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) World Classic and Equipped Masters Powerlifting Championships, winning several gold medals.

Similarly, Rukmini Devi Talluri, at 68 years old, has dedicated herself to daily training sessions under the supervision of multiple coaches covering various disciplines, including discus, javelin, pole vault, athletic fitness, 100-meter run, hammer throw, and high jump. With a strong background in basketball and handball, she has made an impressive comeback to competitive sports, driven by the mental relaxation that fitness provides for seniors. Rukmini’s dedication and success have inspired many women to enter the world of powerlifting and other sports, leading to a significant increase in participants at the World Masters Association.

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Another remarkable athlete, Amudha Suganthi Babu, has found unwavering support from her family, who send her off to each tournament with prayers and blessings, urging her to return with the gold. Overcoming the challenges of balancing her responsibilities as a homemaker, Amudha has excelled in powerlifting competitions and has encouraged other women to pursue fitness challenges without making excuses.

Despite being in their 60s and 40s, these inspiring women have proven that age is no barrier to achieving excellence in sports. Their stories serve as a testament to the power of determination, relentless training, and unwavering family support, showcasing the remarkable achievements of female athletes in India. As they continue their journey of success, they are inspiring a new generation of women to pursue their athletic dreams without being defined by age.


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