Dr Arathi Arun was on the verge of setting a new Asian record, built on five national titles. But 20 days before the championship, her world came crashing down. During a practice lift of 170 kilograms, her humerus bone split in two. Doctors warned she might never lift heavy weights again.
After surgery, she returned to being a champion with a titanium metal plate and 12 screws in her arm. She went on to win gold at the Chennai District Powerlifting Championship and bronze at the National Championship.
Before powerlifting, Dr Arathi’s life revolved around her dental clinic, family, and daily routine. Her childhood badminton was halted by family expectations, and she never imagined she would one day stand on international podiums in a male-dominated sport.
In 2015, after her second pregnancy, she joined a gym to shed weight. Watching men lift, she became curious and expressed her desire to try. People laughed and said it was a man’s game, yet she refused to accept limits based on gender. Drawing inspiration from female champions on YouTube, she decided she could do it too.
Starting at 40, she trained four to five hours daily while balancing her career and motherhood. Her family was her strongest support throughout the gruelling journey.
Her relentless pursuit of excellence brought triumphs on every stage. From her first gold medal at the Tamil Nadu State Powerlifting Championship to national victories in Kerala and Gudiyattam, she earned a spot on the Indian team and won gold at the Asian Powerlifting Championship in Hong Kong, where she also won the Best Lifter award, the first time Tamil Nadu received this honor. She claimed five golds at the Commonwealth Powerlifting and Bench Press Championship in Canada, followed by national golds and best lifter awards in New Delhi and Kerala, setting four national records. She is also Tamil Nadu’s first woman and the only national referee to date.
As part of She Is The Story 2026 by The People Story, Dr Arathi’s journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. The message is clear: women are no longer the weaker sex. Open your wings, rise boldly, and claim your place on the podium of life.
