Asian Powerlifting Championship, Hong Kong, 2019.
Arathi Arun made us all proud and made heads turn by winning four Gold Medals and was the Runner-up for “BEST LIFTER (STRONG WOMEN)” award. She also is the first Tamilian to receive the ‘Best
Lifter Award’ in an Asian Championship. Thanks to her continuous hard work and results, She will be representing India at the 8th COMMONWEALTH POWERLIFTING & BENCH PRESS CHAMPIONSHIP which will be held in Canada from 15th to 21st September 2019.
When I witnessed read about her. The amount of positivity I received is phenomenal. Oh yes, Did I mention, she is also a Doctor and a mother of two?
Yes, you read that right. She is a Dental Surgeon & Director, Smile Center multi-speciality Dental Clinic, Anna Nagar.
While we try to fit ourselves in a comfort zone, Here is Dr Arathi who is continuously breaking all the stereotypes and proving everyone wrong. She is an epitome of hard work and persistence. To have multiple goals and to succeed in both, there is so much we all can learn from her.
Penbugs is certainly proud to interview the woman.
(Q) We heard that your motivation to Powerlifting came when you joined the gym. Take us through the transformation
Ya. It’s true only. Being a Dental Surgeon, I was concentrating on my profession and my family only. Being a doctor family actually, I didn’t even think of entering in a sports field, at the same time I liked all sports from my childhood days onwards. Though I had heard and seen the powerlifting in media and social networks, I had never expected that I will represent India or win Gold Medal for the nation till I got my first selection to Indian Team and competed in Hong Kong Asian Championship. After the birth of 2nd kid, I got a little fatty and so I attended Multi-Gyms and fitness centres for maintaining my body fitness. During the course of my fitness training, I got motivated and interested by seeing the Powerlifting practices by my gym buddies. I was not sure whether I can do the Powerlifting without affecting my profession and family. Just thought, If we need to be something special in our life and society, a creative attitude with innovative steps shall be taken by ourselves with great determination and courage, especially in the case of women. So I took it as a challenge and stepped into the field of Powerlifting during the year 2017.
(Q) How do you manage both careers?
I can say that it’s not easy to manage both the profession and sports, especially for ladies. Every day Gym practice sessions are included with fitness and Power Lifts during Competition seasons. There may be some pains for muscles due to the strenuous activities during the practice. So it’s quite natural that our body will get tired after the practice sessions which necessitates an ample rest time to recoup the body to the normal state. But for rushing to the clinic, I am not getting enough resting time for recovery. But somehow with the grace of God both are being managed without any issues.
(Q) The support from the family.
Family is my prime factor for all my success so far. My husband Dr A.V.Arun, Professor at Saveetha Dental College & Hospital, Chennai, my parents, my sister Anupama, my kids Tanishq and Akansha are giving grand support to me in all ways.
(Q) Your son is a kickboxing champion as well and his growth is phenomenal in recent times.
Yes. My son Tanishq is an International Kick Boxing athlete. He had won several medals for India in the World Championships and attended the World Kick Boxing Championship at Venice, Italy recently. He is training hard along with studies for BSc Animation ICAT College, Chennai.
(Q). We have seen you actively participating in various social activities. How do you make time?
Life is only one. I feel that being a human being we must be having social interactions to make us complete. I would always like to render service for the betterment of the society within my limits.
(Q) The lack of funds and the support from the Government has been hurting Women athletes (other athletes as well). How hard it is?
Lack of funds is one of the major issues of every athlete. For example, I had expended nearly 2 Lakhs for participating in Asian Powerlifting Championship, held at Hongkong during April/2019. After winning the Asian Gold Medal, I had requested the Hon: Sports Minister, Govt. Of Tamilnadu in want of a reward and appreciation certificate and also for the fund allotment for Common Wealth Powerlifting, Sep 2019, Canada ( Rs. 3 Lakhs is required for CommonWealth). The Government had forwarded my request to SDAT (Sports Development Authority of Tamilnadu) for further necessary action. I am still waiting for a favourable step from SDAT.
7. You have been an ambassador when it comes to breaking the stereotypes, especially, for the women. What is the advice you’d like to give the younger generation?
Nothing like that. People who love sports are inviting me as Chief Guest for functions related to sports and as I said I would like to render service to promote sports of all forms. I wish to encourage young athletes especially girls to accept the challenges and to mould their mind themselves ready to do sports in addition to their academic curriculum. My advice to the young generation is to set their goals now itself and make the mind confident to overcome hurdles on the way.
While we wish her all success, Independence Day couldn’t get any better. This is what you call a real inspiration.
