TN para-athlete Arulmoli wins two national golds in powerlifting

CHENNAI: Arulmoli A can hardly afford proper nutrition since she lives in a hostel in Chennai, says her coach Vijay Sarathi G. But the wheelchair bound para-athlete, who suffers from a locomotor disability, has been practising persistently for the past three years, which has now paved the way for her winning two gold medals at the national level.

Arulmoli won the gold at the national powerlifting championship held in Noida on March 23 and at the Khelo India held on March 26. “In the former, she lifted 85kg and in the latter, 80kg. But during training at Chennai, she had lifted 97.5kg,” says her coach, adding that the 45-year-old has immense potential for international events such as the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.

This is her second gold at the National Championship and the first at Khelo India. “I won 30 gold medals at the state level, in events such as shot put, discus throw and javelin throw. I decided to try powerlifting since it’s something which can be done from a bench,” says Arulmoli.

“Her arm strength is quite impressive, and all she needs is some help with the right nutrition,” says Sarathi.

Tamil Nadu women para-athletes won the overall gold in the national championship this year.

Originally from Tirunelveli, Arulmoli received the medal at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi, on March 26.

Powerlifting is a sport focused on the bench press, where athletes with impairments compete by lifting the maximum weight they can.