Meena Kumari, the prodigious weightlifter hailing from Jattewali village in Adampur, Punjab, has cemented her status as a stalwart in the Indian sports arena. Born on 15 August 1989, she not only lifted weights but also lifted the spirits of countless aspiring athletes in the nation.Beyond her sporting accolades, Kumari is an appointed Inspector in the Punjab Police. Her career with the police began as a constable following her college education. By 2016, she had ascended to the post of Inspector, evidencing her unwavering commitment to public service.
Before her immersion in weightlifting, Kumari explored adventurous domains like mountaineering and skydiving. She was chosen for the 2007-8 National Cadet Corps expedition to Everest, albeit she couldn’t participate.Her weightlifting journey commenced in 2008 during her college years, spurred on by her uncle, a fellow weightlifting enthusiast.
Under the mentorship of police weightlifter Saranjeet Kundan and the sponsorship of legislator Pawan Kumar Tinu, Kumari experienced exponential growth in her craft. Her prowess was manifest when she clinched her third consecutive gold medal at the All-India Police Games in December 2013.
Her foray into international arenas saw her finishing fifth in the 58 kg category at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. In a remarkable display of resilience, Kumari successfully contested a three-year ban imposed on her by the Indian Weightlifting Federation in 2016. The ban, originating from allegations concerning her behavior in training and the Commonwealth Games, was subsequently overturned in her favor.
Furthering her illustrious career, 2017 saw Kumari participate in the Senior National Powerlifting Championship in Kerala. She secured a silver in the deadlift, bronze in the squat, and a commendable third place in the 63 kg category.
Beyond the medals and accolades, Kumari’s story is one of relentless pursuit and unwavering determination. Hailing from a humble background, where her father worked as a tailor in Adampur and being the youngest among three brothers, she transformed challenges into stepping stones. Today, she stands as a beacon of hope, a testament to what hard work and perseverance can achieve.
