“Whether it’s in sports, career, family, or any passion, pursue it fiercely and on your own terms.”
“Aaj ki naari sab par bhari (Today’s woman is full of everything).” Arathi Arun’s story leaves no doubt. From a dental surgeon to a powerlifting champion, she’s proven that today’s woman is unstoppable. Arathi’s journey into weightlifting commenced after her second pregnancy when she joined a gym to lose weight and get back in shape. One day, when she noticed men lifting heavy weights and was curious about it, her trainer’s response struck a nerve. He told her that powerlifting was ‘a man’s sport’ and not suitable for married women, especially those with kids.
“I wanted to prove that strength isn’t defined by gender and that women can excel in powerlifting as much as men. So, I took it up as a challenge. Initially, I began lifting light, gradually working my way up. It wasn’t always easy—especially recovering from a severe injury later—but the experience made me realise how passionate I am about this sport,” shares Arathi.
Initially, a coach offered to train her when she showed interest in powerlifting. However, she soon realised that he was mainly doing it for financial gain. His lack of proper training led to several muscle injuries due to improper technique. Undeterred Arathi turned to YouTube to learn about powerlifting and found inspiration in women around the globe who were lifting heavy weights.
Every small step we take, every late night and early morning, it’s all building up to a moment when everything falls into place. Things started falling into place for Arathi when she entered her first district championship and won a bronze medal. This achievement helped her gain recognition and people finally started coming forward to offer her coaching.
Just as she was making strides, a severe arm fracture, just weeks before an important competition became the biggest setback for her. The injury required surgery, with a titanium plate and 12 screws in her arm. Doctors doubted she’d lift again, but Arathi refused to let the injury define her limits. With her daughter’s encouragement, she began her recovery, lifting even the lightest weights as she rebuilt her strength, one step at a time.
“Lifting became not just a test of muscle but a test of will, proving to myself that I could overcome anything in my way. Today, powerlifting has become my way of showing that women are capable of incredible strength, no matter their background or circumstances.”
A New Sense of Self-Worth
When a woman starts lifting, her focus shifts from how her body looks to what it can do. She begins to see herself as capable, powerful, and deserving of respect, and that new sense of self-worth often changes how she handles criticism or judgment. Each time she lifts, she is redefining her relationship with her body, appreciating it for its strength and potential rather than superficial appearance.
“Powerlifting has a unique way of transforming how women view their bodies, especially in a society that often imposes narrow standards on beauty and worth,” says Arathi while describing how winning gold at the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championship was an unforgettable moment for her.
Looking Forward To World Athletics Championships 2025
Arathi aims to break personal and national records and push her boundaries by representing India on the global stage at the World Athletics Championships 2025. She is focusing on maintaining peak performance levels, all while staying injury-free.
Arathi Arun hopes to inspire more women and young athletes to see powerlifting as an empowering sport. She believes that if her efforts encourage more Indians, especially women, to step onto the international powerlifting stage, she would consider that her greatest contribution to the athletic community.
Be Your Own Boss
Arathi’s message for all the women who are pushing boundaries is – never let anyone tell you what you can or can’t do. Society may try to place limits on what’s ‘appropriate’ for women, but strength, resilience, and ambition have no gender or conditions. Set your goals high, and don’t be afraid to step outside of what’s comfortable. Let’s keep breaking barriers together, showing that today’s woman truly is full of everything.
Arathi Arun’s story is a constant reminder that women can achieve incredible things if they stay focused and fearless. Her story encourages all women to believe in their own strength, push past limits, and always pursue their dreams on their own terms. There is nothing that a woman can’t do.
