Women are destined to achieve great things in life. There is literally nothing in this world that can stop them from touching the pinnacle of success. Just like men, women too are going places with relative ease in this competitive world. Dreams can be translated into reality if the dreamer has that indomitable will, drive and spark to surge a person on until the goal is attained.
The story of Punam Yadav is well and truly inspiring. Hailing from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, Punam Yadav braved all the odds to have a sensational career. Her life was not that easy due to her family’s financial constraints and she had to overcome all the challenges to be in a great position today.
Now a Commonwealth Games gold medal winner, Punam is one of India’s best weightlifters.
The farmer’s daughter Punam grew up helping her parents in a Benaras village. After three years of vigorous training to become an international weightlifter, it was when Punam earned a chance to represent India at the 2014 Commonwealth Games. Though she had all the tools to become a potential weightlifter, her parents couldn’t support her financially. With no option left, her father sold their family buffalo in a bid to fund Punam’s trip.
The family’s support at the need of the hour gave Punam Yadav much-needed confidence to go about her business. When she was 19 years old, she won a bronze at the Glasgow CWG in women’s 63 kg weightlifting event.
With grit and determination, she continued to work even harder. After bronze success, she made massive strides and worked hard on fitness levels.
Punam Yadav hit the peak performance in the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast after she won a gold medal. The 24-year-old lifted a total of 222 kg: 100 kg in Snatch and 122 kg in Clean and jerk in women’s 69 kg category.
It has been quite a journey – from humble beginnings to making her mark for her country on the international stage. A life that has drawn inspiration from the struggle and strived to the great heights.