Bhavna Tokekar, wife of an Indian Air Force pilot, won four gold medals at the Open Asian Powerlifting Championships of AWPC/ WPC at Chelyabinsk in Russia. The mother of two teenage children had started training at the gym just six years ago but it was only to keep her fit and not compete at any powerlifting tournament. Tokyo Olympic 2020 Test Event: Woman Archer Deepika Kumari Bags Silver.

Inspired by Youtube and Instagram videos, Bhavna took up powerlifting to keep herself fit and healthy and most importantly to reduce side effects of the medicines she took to treat skin soreness. The 47-year-old, who hails from Pune, wasn’t interested in participating in any powerlifting competition until she came into contact with the World Powerlifting Congress (WPC) chief for Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, Mohammed Azmat. India Begins Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships 2019 on a Bright Note.

“Taking part in competitions was a far cry for me, as I didn’t know if I could participate in events at this age, or if I would be able to match up to the standards,” Bhavna told the Hindustan Times after topping the podium for times in her maiden appearance at any tournament. She competed in U67.5 Masters2 Category and lifted the Squat - 85kg, Bench - 62.5kg and Deadlifts - 120kg to win gold in full powerlifting raw and bench event. ISSF Junior World Cup 2019 Medal Count: Shooter Anish Bhanwala Adds Gold Medal to India's Tally.

She had initially taken up training at the gym to keep herself fit and was ably assisted by the IAF bodybuilding team, who also introduced her to weight training. “There are many myths surrounding bodybuilding, weight lifting and other strength sports, especially related to women like it is meant only for young people and that it makes the body bulky. I started training initially when I was 41, but I wanted to be sure of it since I didn’t want to injure myself or do the wrong technique since weight lifting is not popular here,” Bhavna told the national daily.

“I initially started this to increase my strength, but now I enjoy weight training. My family supported me in this endeavour and they are my pillars of strength. They helped me follow my training and also came to train with me to the gym. I wish there is more awareness about strength sports in the country,” she added. Bhavna had run two half marathons along with her husband Gp Captain S Tokekar but that far from being any competition let alone a Powerlifting tournament.

Six years ago she was first introduced to weight training by the IAF team on the condition that it will increase her strength. She was a full-time homemaker and still is when she is not weightlifting at the gym. There was never a break in her training. If she wasn’t at the gym, Bhavna was on the internet browsing through different websites and YouTube videos for more information about powerlifting.

And it was the internet that changed the course of her life. Introduced a little late to Instagram, the mother of two started following accounts and pages that informed about fitness. Instagram wasn’t a tool for clicking pictures to Bhavna, it was a gateway to more knowledge on fitness and weightlifting. And it through Instagram that she met Mr Azmat – her inspiration.

“I clearly remember the day I messaged him, it was February 10 and I casually asked him if I could participate in the powerlifting event as a part of team India. Now, powerlifting is very different from weight lifting and hence, when Azmat sir replied that I could come and give trials, I was overwhelmed,” said Bhavna. She had even found out about the Open Asian Powerlifting Championships through Instagram.

As many as 500 participants took part in the championship among which 14 – including Bhavna – were from India. She first had to undergo the trials and was selected for the Master2 Category (45-50 age group) as informed by the national daily. “I had to undergo technique corrections for powerlifting and I was informed about the rules and regulations. I trained hard with my new technique and was guided by Azmat sir online as well.”

“It was exhilarating to witness such great sportspersons at the championship. I could not believe I could perform so well at the world stage,” she added after her victory of four golds. Bhavna will now prepare for her next championship WPC Worlds 2019.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 17, 2019 11:04 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).