Mala Sukhwal’s Inspiring Journey as a Weightlifter and Beyond

May 28, 2024

4 Minutes

Mala Sukhwal embarks on an extraordinary journey as an international weightlifter while balancing her role as a Deputy Chief Ticket Inspector (CTI) in the Indian Railways. Despite being a mother of two, Mala’s unwavering dedication to both her personal and professional life is a testament to her exceptional ability to navigate diverse responsibilities.

Early Life and Inspiration

Born into a modest family in a village near Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, Mala witnessed firsthand the financial constraints her family faced. Her father, a mechanic, and her mother, a homemaker, instilled in her the importance of education. Despite the challenges, Mala excelled in her studies.

Her passion for sports emerged early on, particularly towards swimming. Growing up near a lake-rich area, swimming became an integral part of her life. When swimming was introduced as a sport in her school, Mala eagerly participated, soon representing her school and district at numerous events.

Discovering Powerlifting

After completing high school, Mala briefly considered pursuing a career as a doctor. However, her true calling lay in sports, leading her to join a gym with weightlifting facilities. Despite initial skepticism from others who believed weightlifting was not suitable for women, Mala remained undeterred.

One fateful day, she lifted an impressive 60 kg weight, earning the admiration and applause of gym-goers. A perceptive gym instructor recognized her potential and encouraged her to pursue powerlifting.

Overcoming Challenges

Mala’s journey to becoming a weightlifter was not without its obstacles. Initially, she struggled with muscle soreness and fatigue, but her determination pushed her forward. Seeking guidance from a coach, she faced initial reluctance due to her gender. However, Mala’s unwavering perseverance and her mother’s unwavering support convinced him to mentor her.

Rising to Success

Under the tutelage of her coach, Mala underwent a rigorous training regimen, pushing her physical limits with countless rounds of running and weight training exercises. Despite the pain and exhaustion, she refused to yield.

Her hard work soon paid off, as she began winning competitions at the district and state levels. In 2003, Mala achieved the prestigious honor of representing India at an international powerlifting event, marking the beginning of an illustrious career that would span years.

Challenges as a Female Athlete

As a woman weightlifter, Mala faced societal prejudice and skepticism. Some questioned her ability to withstand the demands of the sport, while others predicted that her personal life would suffer, such as difficulties in marrying or having children.

Determined to shatter these stereotypes, Mala proved that women are capable of achieving excellence in powerlifting. She became a role model for other aspiring female athletes, demonstrating that societal barriers can be overcome and dreams pursued.

Balancing Roles

In addition to her weightlifting career, Mala also pursued a career in the Indian Railways. In 2008, she was appointed as a Ticket Collector. Balancing her job, sports, and family life required exceptional time management and determination.

As a TT, Mala received accolades for her professionalism and dedication. Despite her demanding work schedule, she found time to train and compete in weightlifting events, showcasing her unwavering commitment.

Overcoming Societal Norms

Throughout her journey, Mala has challenged countless societal norms. She shattered the perception that women cannot excel in iron sports, achieved a high-ranking position in the railways, and simultaneously managed a demanding lifestyle that included her family responsibilities.

Mala’s accomplishments stand as a source of pride and inspiration for others to break free from societal constraints and pursue their passions.

Lessons Learned

Mala’s journey has taught her invaluable lessons about positivity, resilience, and the transformative power of goal setting. She firmly believes that with determination, anything is achievable.

Mala encourages everyone, particularly women, to embrace their dreams and defy societal expectations. She emphasizes that we are capable of extraordinary feats when we believe in ourselves and refuse to allow obstacles to deter us.