M Jyoti Lakshmi recently won gold medals in Hammer Throw and Short Put, and a silver in Discus throw, at the Tamilnadu State Masters Athletic Championship held at Thiruvannamalai, from Dec.15 to 17.
Jyoti Lakshmi, 58, retired from LIC Housing Finance in July 2023 and took the opportunity to dedicate her time to her health. “I was introduced to this world by world champions Chitra Srinivasan from Kovilpatti (Discuss throw) and Shanthi Santosh (Hammer throw). They recognised my potential and guided me. Also helping me through this journey is Mr Sajeevan, owner of Mastro Fitness Studio, Thiruvanmiyur, who has groomed me with dedication. When doctors told me that I couldn’t, my master told me I could, and we are doing it.”
Jyoti Lakshmi also fondly pointed out the support extended by her family, “They have been a pillar of support to me.” She also shared a few words for her female friends, “If you are 30 and above, it’s time you take your health a little seriously. Once you enjoy the benefits of exercising daily, no one can stop you. To the women of my age, I ask them to explore their potential. One has to give up to go up. So let’s give up our comforts and go up in life. Celebrate yourself. Nobody knows what it takes to be You!”
Jyoti Lakshmi will be representing the state at the Nationals Masters Athletic Championships to be held in Pune from Feb.13 onwards. She is a resident of Kamaraj Nagar, Thiruvanmiyur and can be reached at 97910 39390.
