.jpg)
In the quiet town of Cherthala, Kerala, a remarkable woman is rewriting the rules of strength, perseverance, and determination. Reeni Tharakan, a 63-year-old powerlifting champion, is living proof that age is no barrier to greatness. Her story is not just about medals and records it is a testament to the unyielding spirit of a woman who refused to be defined by societal expectations.
A Journey That Began Late but Burned Bright
Reeni’s journey into fitness wasn’t one that began in her youth. Like many women of her time, she devoted herself to family, raising her daughters, and managing her home. Though she had an active childhood, her own aspirations took a backseat as life’s responsibilities took precedence. But at the age of 53, a realization dawned upon her her body deserved the same dedication she had given to everything else in her life.
She stepped into a gym in 2013 with a simple goal: to stay healthy. What she didn’t know then was that she was about to embark on a transformative journey that would lead her to international recognition. It was in 2019, under the guidance of her trainers Jagan and Jerry, that she discovered powerlifting. They saw in her a rare resilience and encouraged her to pursue the sport competitively. And from there, there was no turning back.

Breaking Barriers, Winning Medals
In just four years, Reeni went from a fitness enthusiast to a global powerlifting sensation. Her defining moment came at the World Masters Powerlifting Championships in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, where she clinched three gold medals in the M3 category (ages 61-70), competing against 145 lifters from 44 countries. She wasn’t just representing herself; she was carrying the hopes of every woman who had ever been told that age is a limitation.
Her achievements extend beyond the world stage. She has won over ten gold medals in national and international competitions, including a medal at the Asian Women’s Equipped Powerlifting Championships held in Alappuzha. In a field often dominated by younger athletes, Reeni has proved that strength is ageless and that passion knows no expiration date.
A Rigorous Routine and Unwavering Determination
What makes Reeni’s success even more extraordinary is the sheer discipline she follows. She trains three times a week at Mr. Standard Gym in Kochi, making a 37-kilometer journey each way. On alternate days, she trains at home, dedicating two hours to her regimen. She also follows a strict ketogenic diet and intermittent fasting, ensuring that she maintains the weight required for her competitive category (64-69 kg).
But the road has not been without hurdles. She has battled health challenges, including a stroke, yet she has never allowed setbacks to dictate her story. With the unwavering support of her husband Antony and daughters Anya and Roshina, she has risen stronger every time.
Shattering Stereotypes, Inspiring Generations
Reeni’s journey is more than a personal triumph; it is an inspiration to countless women who hesitate to chase their dreams later in life. She has silenced critics who doubted her abilities because of her age and proven that strength both mental and physical is not bound by time.
She stands as a beacon of empowerment, urging women to break free from self-imposed limitations. Whether it is through lifting weights or taking on new challenges, Reeni’s story encourages us all to redefine what is possible.
Her message is simple yet profound: "Age is just a number." And if her journey has taught us anything, it is that the best chapters in life can sometimes be written long after the world expects you to slow down. Reeni Tharakan isn’t just lifting weights she’s lifting hopes, dreams, and barriers. And she’s only just getting started.
Stories like Reeni’s remind us of the boundless potential within us, regardless of age. If you're looking for a community that celebrates the spirit of reinvention and empowerment in the golden years, Sukoon Unlimited is the perfect place. A platform designed to connect, support, and uplift senior citizens, Sukoon Unlimited provides a space where life’s second innings can be just as fulfilling and adventurous. Join Sukoon Unlimited and become part of a movement that champions strength, purpose, and endless possibilities.
In just four years, Reeni went from a fitness enthusiast to a global powerlifting sensation. Her defining moment came at the World Masters Powerlifting Championships in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, where she clinched three gold medals in the M3 category (ages 61-70), competing against 145 lifters from 44 countries. She wasn’t just representing herself; she was carrying the hopes of every woman who had ever been told that age is a limitation.
Her achievements extend beyond the world stage. She has won over ten gold medals in national and international competitions, including a medal at the Asian Women’s Equipped Powerlifting Championships held in Alappuzha. In a field often dominated by younger athletes, Reeni has proved that strength is ageless and that passion knows no expiration date.
A Rigorous Routine and Unwavering Determination
What makes Reeni’s success even more extraordinary is the sheer discipline she follows. She trains three times a week at Mr. Standard Gym in Kochi, making a 37-kilometer journey each way. On alternate days, she trains at home, dedicating two hours to her regimen. She also follows a strict ketogenic diet and intermittent fasting, ensuring that she maintains the weight required for her competitive category (64-69 kg).
But the road has not been without hurdles. She has battled health challenges, including a stroke, yet she has never allowed setbacks to dictate her story. With the unwavering support of her husband Antony and daughters Anya and Roshina, she has risen stronger every time.
Shattering Stereotypes, Inspiring Generations
Reeni’s journey is more than a personal triumph; it is an inspiration to countless women who hesitate to chase their dreams later in life. She has silenced critics who doubted her abilities because of her age and proven that strength both mental and physical is not bound by time.
She stands as a beacon of empowerment, urging women to break free from self-imposed limitations. Whether it is through lifting weights or taking on new challenges, Reeni’s story encourages us all to redefine what is possible.
Her message is simple yet profound: "Age is just a number." And if her journey has taught us anything, it is that the best chapters in life can sometimes be written long after the world expects you to slow down. Reeni Tharakan isn’t just lifting weights she’s lifting hopes, dreams, and barriers. And she’s only just getting started.
Stories like Reeni’s remind us of the boundless potential within us, regardless of age. If you're looking for a community that celebrates the spirit of reinvention and empowerment in the golden years, Sukoon Unlimited is the perfect place. A platform designed to connect, support, and uplift senior citizens, Sukoon Unlimited provides a space where life’s second innings can be just as fulfilling and adventurous. Join Sukoon Unlimited and become part of a movement that champions strength, purpose, and endless possibilities.
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