In the quiet town of Pollachi, Tamil Nadu, an extraordinary story unfolded that defied conventional notions of age and strength. At 82, Kittammal embarked on a journey that would inspire many, entering the realm of powerlifting—a sport dominated by those decades her junior.
Living with her husband, Venkatraman, a retired health department employee, Kittammal found inspiration close to home. Her grandsons, S. Rohith and S. Rithik, were avid powerlifters. Sixteen-year-old Rohith had been practicing at their residence for over six months, while 23-year-old Rithik had recently clinched a gold medal at a national championship in Gujarat. Witnessing their dedication ignited a spark within her.
Accustomed to daily tasks that required physical strength, such as lifting 25 kg of rice bags and fetching numerous pots of water, Kittammal felt a latent vigor. Encouraged by her grandsons, she began experimenting with light weights, gradually increasing her capacity. Her visits to Rithik in Palladam became training sessions at his gym, where she learned the nuances of deadlifting.
Key Takeaways from Kittammal’s Story:
- Age is just a number. Strength comes from the mind and heart.
- If my grandsons can do it, why can’t I?
- Every challenge is an opportunity to prove that we are stronger than we think.
- I never imagined lifting weights at this age, but life is full of surprises when you are willing to try.
- Strength is not about age; it’s about willpower and perseverance.
- I want to show that women, no matter their age, can break barriers and achieve great things.
Her commitment culminated in her participation in the ‘Strong Man of South India’ contest in Kuniyamuthur. Competing in the open women’s category against 16 others—all under the age of 30—Kittammal showcased her newfound prowess by deadlifting 50kg, securing the fifth position. Her achievement was not just a personal victory but a testament to the ageless nature of determination.
” Hard work and the right food keep me going—there is no secret, just consistency. “
Central to her enduring strength was her lifelong diet, rich in finger millet porridge, pearl millet, eggs, moringa soup, and boiled vegetables. She credited these wholesome foods for her sustained energy and vitality.
With the support of her trainer, Sathishkumar, and her family, Kittammal aspires to compete in state- and national-level deadlifting competitions. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that age is merely a number, and with passion and perseverance, new challenges can be embraced at any stage of life.
-Edited By: Rajshree Upadhyaya
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