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Mahalakshmi, who comes from Andivattam village near Vengalapuram in Tirupathur district, supports her family by stitching clothes. Married and a mother of two, she continues to compete in athletics despite the demands of family life and the challenges of funding her sporting career.
Mahalakshmi travels about 15 kilometres from her village to the Jolarpet sports ground for training. She has said that a lack of financial resources and adequate support makes it difficult for her to participate in some competitions.
She told ANI that she had competed in two national championships, winning three gold and two silver medals at a competition in Kerala and four gold and two silver at the women’s Nationals in Goa. She also reported winning two gold and two silver medals at a national event in Coimbatore.
Mahalakshmi said her passion for sport has continued despite having two children and undergoing two Caesarean-section surgeries. She hopes the Tamil Nadu government will provide the assistance needed to help her pursue her Olympic ambition.
“If the Tamil Nadu government provides me with the necessary assistance, my ambition is to participate in the Olympics and win a gold medal for India and Tamil Nadu, bringing pride to the country and the state,” she told ANI.
Her story highlights the financial and practical challenges faced by athletes who continue to compete while supporting their families. Mahalakshmi says she has won 20 gold medals in total across competitions, and remains determined to keep training despite the obstacles.
