One of the most courageous things you can do is identify yourself, know who you are, what you believe in, and where you want to go.
Sheila Murray Bethel
It takes a great deal of strength to follow your dreams and courage to stand for them. Today, I am bringing a real-life hero and champion in front of you through an interview. Bhavana Tokekar, She is not famous and most of you would not have heard her name. A 47-year-old mom of two teenagers, Bhavana, has left many people in utter admiration, as she won 3 gold medals in World Championship, 4 gold medals in Asian Championship and holds a World record in Powerlifting. She started her sports career, when most sportspeople retire, at the age of 40. Shattering many stereotypes all at once, including that of women becoming “manly” after lifting heavy weights, and motherhood coming in the way of a woman’s career goals, she has paved the way for many more who have a fire in their belly, just like herself. She was not only the winner at the age of 47 but also a champion because she defeated and surpassed numerous hurdles and stereotypes. I think that her inspiring story of perseverance must be told again and again because it is inspiring and motivating.
You have to have confidence in your ability, and then be tough enough to follow through.
Rosalynn Carter
Q1. Tell us something about your sport and what is so special about the achievement. Especially in the light that we are a cricket crazy nation where other sports and achievements do not get the space they deserve.
Ans. I am a powerlifter. Powerlifting as a sport is not so popular since it is not an Olympic Sport and is not government-supported. So, there is no government funding or any kind of government help to the players. Powerlifting was in the news all over recently when a Russian powerlifter Alexander Sedykh while squatting nearly 900 pounds broke both his knees in the 2020 WRPF European championship. So, powerlifting is not for the weak-hearted. It is squats, bench press, and deadlift and not the overhead movement of weights. Well talking about what is so special about my achievement, I started my journey with weights after I turned 40. Generally, in our society irrespective of gender after 40 is considered as a time to retire and take it easy in life but for me, I went head-on after 40. Did something which is considered a taboo for girls or ladies which is hardcore strength training, and not just that I competed in National, Asian, and World championship and but won 3, 4, and 3 Gold medals respectively. The most special is that I broke a world record in Bench press in Full Powerlifting in my age and weight category.
Q2. That is an incredible achievement. I know that you picked up power weight lifting as a sport at the age of 40. Were you doing weight lifting as a hobby before marriage or in college also? How and why did you decide to take this up?
Ans. Powerlifting came much later. Initially, I started with weight training and had been at it very rigorously. I was trained by Indian Air Force bodybuilders in the Air Force gym. I started long-distance running too and all this was just to remain fit. While surfing the weight training videos, I came across Powerlifting and felt it was very similar to what I had been doing since last so many years in the gym. So that’s why I thought of giving it a try. No, I had never done weight training before marriage or during my school or college days. I was a Table Tennis player in school and had represented my district at the state level.
Q3. It must have been a very challenging journey. Can you please elaborate on the challenges you came across in getting where you are today?
Ans. Yes, it had been a very challenging but very exciting and satisfying journey so far. The challenges first of all, if you start weight training at the age of 40 your body is not used to such trauma so there were immense aches, pains, stiffness, soreness. Also, my body took a long time to recover from the intense training sessions and more so in my case, since I was on a lot of medications like immune suppressants, corticosteroids, and antiallergics for my skin inflammation. Next was the acceptability from the society, I was called names, ridiculed by my own family, friends, and acquaintances just because I was weight training and putting out videos of my hard work on my social media account.
Q4. What is your routine when you are training for a competition and how do you achieve the balance between home, family, friends, and sport?
Ans. My routine when I am training for competition is very strict and rigorous. Since the training is much tougher and for longer periods every day, proper nutrition and rest periods are given more focus. Balance comes automatically, if you love something you can always make time and prioritize things in your life accordingly. I believe in enjoying my life to the fullest, so I do take time out and enjoy with my family and friends even when I am training for competition.
Q5. What motivates you to get up in the morning and go training everyday especially as the mother of two teenage kids?
Ans. What has motivation got to do with me being a mother or not? Motivation has to come from within. If you love something you would get up and do it. More so for me, since you mentioned being a mother, I am responsible to teach my kids the right values, fitness, and dedication.
Q6. Who helped you most during/ before you decided to take up the sport and compete? Who is your role model if you had any?
Ans. I believe no one can help you if you yourself aren’t ready, so you got to take it upon yourself first. My immediate family i.e. husband and kids have been extremely supportive. My previous trainers who are Indian Air Force bodybuilders are the ones because of whom I have been able to achieve all this. And my current coach is a Russian who himself is a decorated powerlifter has also been very supportive. I believe you have to be your own role model but I do look up to MC Mary Kom.
Q7. In recent years, sports and health awareness has improved in the urban area. Few movies have also been made on sportswomen and their achievements. What message would you like to give to young mothers who may like to take challenges like you?
Ans. I would say what are you waiting for! We have just one life to live, so take it head-on and make your existence count.
Q8. During the present COVID pandemic, how do you handle stress and pressure? Were you able to continue training during the pandemic?
Ans. There is no point in taking stress, the only thing we can do in these times is to take precautions, that’s all there in our hands. Yes, I am continuing my training in a small gym which I have set up on my terrace and I train every day.
Q9. Today teenagers spend more and more time online and glued to screen. What advice you would like to give to young teenagers as a mother of two yourself.
Ans. You can’t advise someone if you yourself aren’t following it, so first parents have to take up fitness as a lifestyle and only then the youngsters would follow. You’ve got to lead by example.
Q10. Tell us some incident which shaped your career as successful sports person.
Ans. After my winning story came out in media the number of messages that I got and still get from girls and ladies that they are taking up their previous sport/ fitness regimen after having left for some reason or the other is overwhelming. There isn’t anyone particular incident but there are few that I count more than my medals. My example was mentioned by a PT teacher to his students at school to highlight success through persistent efforts and determination. One girl went home and narrated my winning story to her mother and told her that since she was just 36, she had a lot of time at hand to reach where I am today. The mother got in touch with me and narrated the inspiration and the positive effect my win had on her young girl. I am also touched when doctors quote my example to their patients to drive home the point that staying fit or physical exercise has no age bar. I came to know about this both from doctors and patients who got in touch with me through social media.
Q11. Are you preparing for any future competition? What are future goals?
Ans. Yes, I am preparing for future competitions but as of now just keeping myself in touch with my current lift total. I feel dreams and goals shouldn’t be made public. I live each day to the best and don’t make too many plans for the future.
I hope that our women continue to shine and inspire many others to scale greater heights in the future. Best wishes.
You can reach out at:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bhavana-tokekar-09078119
Instagram account: @bhavnatokekar
and email: bhavshree47@gmail.com
