Weightlifting Warriors Mother and Daughter Take on the world

www.womenworldindia.com VOL. 11 | ISSUE 02 | 2024 Weightlifting Daughter Take on the

No magic? We have to make our efforts.? It will be a long and difficult struggle?for us. wand will work.

Incredible Women, Excep?onal Careers, Inspiring Journeys! I n a world where strength is measured all too often by physicality, Neelam Jain and her daughter AdvNupur Jain’s inspiring story rewrites the book on what it means to be strong. It was an extraordinary journey for both of them, marked by challenges, triumphs, and an unyielding bond of support for one another. ‘Weightlifting Warriors: Mother and Daughter Take on the World’ —the latest edition by Women World India is dedicated to these two incredible women who are not only changing the narrative around women's strength but also are establishing new benchmarks for what it means to lift, fight, and persevere together. Professional Teacher and unlikely champion Neelam Jain has proved that age and illness need not define one’s capability. She has transformed her life through sheer willpower and the power of CrossFit and weightlifting, resulting in her eventually becoming a National Powerlifting Champion and Gold Medalist in 2023. Editor's Note Her daughter, Nupur Jain, an able legal professional, has also charted her own distinguished path. Having been a Suburban Weightlifting Competition Gold Medalist, Nupur, in 2023, won the National Powerlifting Bronze. She has also inspired many women to pick up weights and start fitness and strength training in their age group of 40+, 50+, and 60+. This is a testament to the power of family, discipline, and resilience in any human being's journey. In this edition, we invite you to read about their journey, their mentality, and their wars. And for those of you who are just beginning your own fitness journey, take their message: be disciplined, be consistent, and remember that the pain of lifting will always balance out with the strength and confidence you've earned in the end. Have a powerful read! Gaurav?PR?Wankhade

Subscribe Today www.twitter.com/womenworldindia www.facebook.com/womenworldindia/ WE ARE ALSO AVAILABLE ON WE ARE ALSO AVAILABLE ON Pooja M. Bansal Editor-in-Chief CONTENT Stay in the known. Subscribe to WOMENWORLDINDIA Get Managing Editor: Gaurav PR Wankhade Assisting Editor : Prajakta Zurale Email sales@womenworldindia.com For Subscription www.womenworldindia.com WOMENWORLDINDIA Magazine in print and digital on www.womenworldindia.com DESIGN Visualizer: Sandeep Tikode Art & Design Director: Sarita Bhagat Associate Designer : Nagaraj Patil Copyright © 2024 WomenWorld India, All rights reserved. The content and images used in this magazine should not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission from WomenWorld India. Reprint rights remain solely with WomenWorld India. SALES Vice President : Swapnali Vasaikar Asst. Vice President : Tejaswini Whaval Asst. Mannager : Nitin Patil BDE : Sapna Totre Nov, 2024 Cover Price: Rs.250/- TECHNICAL Technical Head : Prachi Mokashi Technical Specialist: Rajeshwari Avhad Technical Consultant : Tanaji Fartade SME-SMO Research Analyst : Sagar Lahigade SEO Lead : Nikita Khadalkar W O R L D I N D I A

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A ll the women out there, if you are reading this today, then you are in luck. Because today, you’ll come to know how to get rid of those harmful fats in your body, and whatever pain you have, too, will be gone by the time you hear this awe-inspiring story about the National-Award-Winning Powerlifting Champions Mother- Daughter Powerlifters Duo. since I was there the entire day, I might as well play too. And then there was no turning back. I am not as good as my mom and will never be, but I am getting there. Mom and Jitu Sir inspired me to play and lift weights,” says Nupur. Thus began the mother-daughter's journey together in powerlifting. Now, they follow a strict regime. They plan their day around their workout. Their morning starts at 6 a.m., and the first thing they do is weigh themselves. “We are very particular about that. Mom has tea and plant protein, and I have whey protein,” informs Nupur. After that, it takes them around 30 minutes to pack their bags (which are huge) and water bottles for the gym. They carry almost 2.5 litres of water with ‘Electral’ and fast-up. They get done with training by 8:30 a.m., and then Neelam again has plant protein, and Nupur has fruit and whey protein. “And after this, our workday begins,” adds Nupur. Neelam Jain is a professional teacher with a BCom, LLB, and a Diploma in Early Childhood Education. Today, she is also a ‘National Powerlifting Champion 2023, Gold Medallist,’ and ‘Strongwoman of Maharashtra 2024,’ award-winner. However, there is an arduous journey behind her achievements. “Two years back, my mom, Neelam, was very ill. She could not even walk straight and kept falling now and then, and her hands started shaking. My family advised me to take her for Parkinson’s disorder tests. She used to walk daily for 10kms, but it seems that wasn’t helping her. Our general physician explained to me that only her legs are functioning while walking. It was that day in 2022 that I decided that we would both go to the gym. At the gym we followed crossfit training which included lifting weights and that is when she realised she has an aptitude for deadlift. Her very first deadlift was 70 kg, and she lifted it so naturally and with so much ease. Many struggled with even 70kgs, but for her, it was like a piece of cake. And it was that day that she fell in love with lifting,” recalls Nupur Jain, herself a Gold Medallist in Suburban Weightlifting Competition – Senior Category, 2024, a National Powerlifting Champion 2023, Bronze Medallist, a Certified Mediator from ILSCA, with a BLS/LL.B, LL.M (IPR), and an Executive MBA from IIM Calcutta. Currently, she is pursuing a Master's Degree in Mediation and Conflict Resolution from MNLU Mumbai. ▪ They then have breakfast by 10 a.m., which is usually a high–protein meal like Millets or Sprouts with nuts. Lunch is a normal meal: salad, yogurt, roti, vegetables, dal, and very little rice. By 4 p.m., they have fruits with muesli and Greek yogurt. 5:30 p.m. is dinner – which again is millets or dosas of any kind or any low-calorie meal with veggies. 8:00 p.m. – fruits or Protein. They both have diaries in which they list their every meal and calorie intake. We have been doing that for almost six months now. Every day with Jitu Sir is a tough training day. He doesn’t believe in easy and chill days, says Nupur. “And especially with me and Mom – he won't rest until we sweat. We always motivate each other and cheer for each other. On days that we have excess pain – we do rehab and icing together.” ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ Together, We Can Powerlift the Mountains Surmounting Adversities Earlier, Neelam, the mother, never liked or wanted to go to the gym. “But she came because we had a pact to do all the activities together. She had come with me for one trial class and was forced to join because of me,” says Nupur, who, too, never liked picking up weights or heavy lifting. During Neelam’s personal training sessions, Neelam always told Jitendra Aher Sir (Jitu Sir, the trainer) that Nupur would not pick up more than 60kgs, “So, please don’t force her.” and Jeetu Sir never did. Nupur started going to competitions with her mom and Jeetu sir for moral support. “Of course, weightlifting and powerlifting are team games. I used to spend days with them, and then one day, I thought Apart from all the physical challenges since the beginning, Neelam and Nupur faced different kinds of challenges. In fact, they still keep facing them. “We still hear many hater/disbeliever comments, but some of my all-time favourites are:” •Your mother will break her back if she lifts so much weight. •You will not be able to conceive if you lift so much weight. •Your mother is weak and, at 59, will injure herself.

Weightlifting Warriors: Mother and Daughter Take on the World They have just stopped listening and responding now, says Nupur. There will always be haters/disbelievers, and it’s better not to answer them. “And with our routines, we don’t have time for negative comments. Most of our day goes into recovering from soreness and meal planning, profession and study that now we don’t have any interest in listening or responding to anyone.” Today, both Neelam and Nupur have two different favourites in lifting and exercising. According to Nupur, weightlifting and powerlifting are two different games. She explains, “Weightlifting is clean and jerk + snatch, while powerlifting is deadlift, benchpress, and squats.” •Cardio will help you run around with your kids and grandkids. •This is a long game; stay fit for life. Ten side effects of lifting weights: While Neelam’s favourite lift is deadlift, for Nupur, it’s a combination of snatch, deadlift and squat. Similarly, in exercise, Neelam’s favourite is with dumbbells and barbells. In comparison, Nupur likes doing anything except cardio. •More energy. •Fixed posture. •Uplifted mood. •Mental strength. •Stress reduction. •Improved Health. •High confidence. •Increased strength. •Better quality sleep. •Good looking body.” Other challenges—initially, recovery was slow, soreness would last more than a day, and building muscle and stamina was a tough journey. Adding fresh food, proteins, and four litres of water daily to their diet was a game changer. An Ever-Evolving Relationship A Power-Packed Schedule Nonetheless, other than any personal training sessions, they always train together no matter what. Their training regime was decided upon by Jitu sir. Their week usually looks like this: Monday: focus on chest and shoulder. Tuesday: focus on conventional deadlifts and squats. Wednesday: cardio— we aren’t fond of cardio but Char Dham Yatra has made us understand the importance of Cardio. Thursday: focus on sumo deadlift. Friday: Crossfit and cardio. It is all thanks to the way Neelam and Nupur’s relationship with lifting evolved. As Nupur puts it, “Weights cannot do without us, and we cannot do without them. They are an extension of us.” Nupur adds, “Get to a point where your body craves exercise. No daily reminders or alarms are needed. Just an internal alarm that screams, ‘I need to move.’ When rest day becomes the hardest day, you’ve made it.” Neelam says “Age is just a number both mentally and physically. Best example is PM Narendra Modi. His infinite energy, physical strength and mental alertness is a testament of a fit person.” They have gone from fighting and arguing 24*7 to BFFs for life. “My mom is my travel partner, workout partner, and much more. From training to meal prep, we do it all together. We have a very different bond, which has bloomed over the years. For me – when I am in trouble, I never think, ‘What will Mom say?’ I always think – ‘Mom will know how to solve it.’ It’s a bond I think every mother- daughter should have,” puts Nupur. Hear, Hear! Here’s Their Message In their advice to someone just starting their lifting journey, Neelam and Nupur caution that initially, your body will pain and be sore – don’t give up – eat well, eat fresh – have proteins- and keep hydrating. Be consistent and disciplined. “Our body is still sore for a few hours post-workout, but the soreness feels good now, and it is not lethargic. When you lift, you’re not just building muscle; you’re building: And then, there’s those awards. “For mom, it was when she won the Gold Medal in 125kg deadlift and 100kg squat. And for me, it was when me and mom lifted in the same weight category and she won the Gold Medal and I won the Bronze Medal,” informs Nupur. “Those were the defining moments of our lives.” Trumping Stereotypes Similarly, they say that over their lifting careers, they always faced stereotypes. Nupur recalls, “Six packs and bulges will make you look manly and muscular. You will have back pain, and childbirth for me will be difficult. We work out in an open gym on Dubashi ground, Vile Parle East, Mumbai. We work out in heat and rain. There is red sand on the ground. We were told we would not be able to withstand the rain every day – and we did. People told us we would have dust allergies by working out in red sand – and we still work out there. Our immune system has become stronger than ever. We prove them wrong every day by exercising.” •A strong work ethic. •A resilient mind. •A will to never give up. The people who lift weights and exercise are happier than people who don’t. The endorphins released during a workout are a natural antidepressant. They also boost your mood and reduce stress. Exercise is the best medicine. •Bicep curls will help you lift a gallon of milk when you’re older. •Shrugs will help you carry groceries. •Squatting will help you get up the stairs.

She adds, “You, too, will face them. However, take them in a positive way, and everything will be fine.” Nupur further informs that her mom, Neelam, is 59 today. They recently went on a Char Dham Yatra. She was able to walk and complete Yamunotri and partially Kedarnath, which in itself is an achievement. Neelam adds, “Another funny thing that happens is that I think mostly every week it happens; we do not know how much weight we lift. Initially, we thought it was 90 kilos and 100 kilos because it always felt like the weight in our hands. But by the time we've completed all our sets and repetitions, we realized that we had created our own personal record, and we have picked up 110 kilos, 120 kilos and 125 kilos. The assistant coach, Naresh Sir then tells us how much weight we have lifted. So, it's kind of very funny, and along with motivating us, we find the whole scenario humorous.” Another factor is handling setbacks or injuries during the training. Nupur suggests: “Face setbacks head-on. Recovery exercises and rehab. Sleep and rest. Hydration and good fresh food.” Life is a Fun-Filled Roller-Coaster Ride She also explains: In their advice to other aspiring mother-daughter weightlifters, Nupur says that if you lift weights, your muscles will be sore, and if you don’t, your whole body will hurt. So, you must choose which pain you want to bear for your lifetime. Because lifting pain will make you stronger for your life, while the other natural pain will make you weak. With exercising, you are building strength and muscle, and your body is becoming stronger than ever. It is also able to withstand many things which, without exercise and lifting weights, it cannot withstand. So that fear needs to go. Secondly, the bond of a mother and daughter evolves over some time. The mother needs to discipline the child, give them the right values, and teach them responsibility from 20 to 25. It's more about getting them on track with life till 25. After that it becomes a relationship that you have with your best friend. “And that is something I have with my mother right now. We are best friends. To people, we look like sisters, which is a huge compliment. Because my 59-year-old mother looks young. I don't think I would have asked for more or better.” Champion mentality- Staying positive. Taking responsibility. Finding solutions. Admitting your fault and asking for feedback. Versus... Victim Mentality- Complains. Blames others. Makes excuses. They never think it's their fault. Doesn’t want feedback. “I know you will always choose a Champion’s mentality,” says Nupur. “To be successful at anything, you don’t have to be different. You must be what most people aren’t: Consistent.” Adopting an Always Winning Mentality Apart from powerlifting, the mother-daughter duo enjoys many other things together, like shopping, eating, meal- preparing, travelling, and playing sports—squash, swimming, and kickboxing. Brining Glory for India and Indians Divulging their future goals, Nupur says both of them would love to play on an international level and fetch medals for India. “And my mom has this goal of inspiring other women in their 40s, 50s and 60s that it's not difficult.” It's not impossible. Just do it for your better health and quality of life. Neelam says if she could weightlift with a world-renowned athlete, it would be Virat Kohli, the Indian Cricketer. For Nupur, it’s definitely Mirabai Chanu. Recalling a funny incident that happened during their training session, Nupur says, “We are always gossiping during cardio days or warm-up, even after we are together the whole day. We both have a lot to discuss. I don't know what we discussed so much now, but we do discuss, and Jeetu sir gets angry at us sometimes. Once, he shouted, “Geeta, Babita, chalo weight uthana hai (Geeta, Babita, come on, lift the weight).” It was very funny, as almost everybody present there laughed out loud.” Finally, both Neelam and Nupur are excited about two upcoming international competitions: one in Thailand and one in Ahmedabad in early 2025. “We both are participating and will surely fetch some medals for our country and make it and us proud,” concludes Nupur. --- Women World India wishes all the best to the Award- Winning Mother-Daughter duo of Neelam Jain and Nupur Jain.

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It’s not about having time, it’s about making time. Nov| 2024 Nov| 2024 16 17

the Olympics! How canIndia Build aSPORT SPORT -inspired Future? Nov| 2024 Nov| 2024 18 19

2 2. Grass Root Development and Talent Identification 024 has been a great year for Indian athletes and the sports sector as we have won 6 medals in the Olympics. Indeed it is a shining and proud moment for the country. However, considering the population of a country with a strong cultural heritage, diverse traditions, and an ever-growing economy, our contribution to international and global sports remains meagre. Moreover, in comparison to other countries in the world, India is still lagging in terms of sports. Cricket remains the favourite sport of Indians, whereas other sports struggle to gather momentum or receive the needed institutional support. The future will be sport-inspired only if the nation focuses on building better infrastructure, grassroots talent, corporate partnerships, and more importantly, changing cultural attitudes towards physical activity and sports. Role models in the form of successful athletes, who bring victories in international competitions like that of Neeraj Chopra in the javelin throw for India, thus portray how a passion for sports leads to pride both personally and nationally. The display of more diversified sporting achievements from India will create an attitude where sports is not just another hobby but a professional endeavour for budding talent. days are from - Mary Kom, Saina Nehwal, and Mithali Raj, overcoming several stereotypes, finally making themselves sound audible to the global world as well. Encouraging more girls to participate in sports at a young age and equal opportunities for training, sponsorship, and competition will help build a more inclusive sports ecosystem. India can look toward the U.S. and Australia as examples, as both of these countries have strong women's sports leagues and initiatives empowering female athletes. India has a large youth population and tapping into that population for sports requires shifting the attention towards grassroots development. The sports ecosystem in the country cannot continuously spot and nurture young talent at an early stage, other than the occasional success stories, such as Sachin Tendulkar in cricket or PV Sindhu in badminton. Schools and local clubs should be encouraged to develop sports programs for diverse disciplines other than cricket or football alone. 4. Public-Private Partnerships and Sponsorships Conclusion Though the government programs provide the framework, there is a great need for private sector engagement in India to create a sport-driven future. Sponsorship, corporate partnerships, and business associations are crucial areas that help fill funding gaps in the development of sports. Leagues, grassroots, and sponsorship athletes can be sponsored by companies in exchange for financial support and resources towards the cause. This is especially seen in cases of leagues like the IPL in cricket and the Pro Kabaddi League. Corporate partnerships can transform sports from a pure definition to a commercialized and media- crafted event, thus attracting more investments and popularity. Building a sport-inspired future for India is not merely about developing champions but a healthier, more active, and motivated society. To achieve this vision, emphasis would be placed on building sports infrastructure, scouting for talent, grooming talent from young ages, cultivating a national culture of sport, fostering robust public-private partnerships, and promoting gender equity. These measures can make the nation a superpower in sports in the global sphere and inspire future generations with this strength of sport for their growth, both individually and collectively. This will involve collaborations with global sports academies and scouting programs, which will help the young athletes specialize in their sport and be exposed to international standards. The state and central governments can further support these programs by providing scholarships, grants, and mentorships to promising athletes for access to the resources needed to excel. 1. Investment in Sports Infrastructure The most glaring need for the development of sports in India is world-class infrastructure. Currently, the sports facilities in the country are limited and poorly distributed. These were majorly dominated by metropolitan cities where most top-tier facilities find locations for their headquarters. The facility also witnessed underrepresentation in smaller towns and rural areas. Thus, to build a future inspired by sport, there would be a need for proper funding to build and upgrade existing sports facilities across the different regions of India. This means constructing modern stadiums, centres for training, and various academies but also keeping them accessible to schools, local communities, and different rural establishments across Indian counties. In addition, it should be multipurpose structures that can be used for athletics football, hockey, tennis, and more such sports. 3. Cultural Shifts and National Awareness India should have cultural change wherein sports and games are given higher significance, so it would not have ever been possible if not because of the significance put on success in academics and professions. Children were thus not attracted to playing games and sometimes even discouraged from becoming professionals in that regard. A comprehensive public awareness campaign would make people realize that these things are beneficial for physical health, mental health, discipline, and teamwork. Sporting achievements celebrated at the national level and not just in cricket, across various sports, will also inspire the next generation. In contrast, multinationals and local businesses can establish foundations that support funding for disadvantaged athletes or researching sports science and nutrition so that Indian athletes can compete at the international level. This has also demanded sport-oriented aspects in its policies. However, the gender divide is highly required to make it possible on a grand level. Women being so unheard of and far from men in terms of sports until recent times has brought a positive effect. Known Indian female athlete names and faces that we hear quite often these Nov| 2024 Nov| 2024 20 21

Partner in Strength I How can n weightlifting, selecting the right barbell is a critical issue in performance, safety, and comfort. A barbell may be a simple tool in strength training but the right barbell plays a major role for the person lifting. There are valid reasons why a certain barbell may be best suited for your specific needs. It depends on the type of training you do, your skills, and the barbell’s material and design that you have chosen. This article explores how weightlifters can choose the right barbells. Weightlifters Choose the Right Weightlifting Barbell? 1. Select Your Training Objectives. There are three kinds of training: Strength training, Hypertrophy training and Endurance training. Now it is on the individual to choose what type of training they want to have. Olympic weightlifting bars have a more flexible shaft to accommodate the ‘whip’ needed for both snatch and clean and jerk. They are typically bushed or bearing fitted to allow smoothening of the rotation of sleeves. The Olympic barbell usually has a 2-inch sleeve diameter, and it is 7 feet in length. Nov| 2024 Nov| 2024 22 23

You can do bench presses, squats, and deadlifts with the powerlifting bars. They tend to be stiffer for better control when lifting heavy quantities of weight, often with sleeves that may also experience less rotation. The grip in powerlifting bars is usually thicker: about 29mm, for even more stability with maximally lifted weights. have less degree of rotation because control matters more in heavy lifts. But the material of the barbell itself is an important variable also. Alloy steel is most common and provides good durability, while stainless steel bars are more resistant to rust and corrosion, which is especially useful if the barbell is exposed to moisture or sweat often. For general strength training, you will likely be working with a more general-purpose barbell designed for a variety of exercises. This does not require specialized features like an Olympic or a powerlifting bar, but it will need to be strong and sturdy. 5. Barbell Length and Diameter Most commercial Olympic bars are 7 feet long. There are also shorter bars for smaller rooms or alternative options for a more compact bar if you need that. 2. Consider the Weight Capacity of the Barbell Weightlifting bars also differ in their load capacity. You would want to choose the right one for the safe attainment of your lifting goals. Olympic barbells have a load rating of about 1,500 pounds while powerlifting bars have a rating of 1,200 pounds and above. Thus, if you are intent on doing serious heavy lifting, you need to use a barbell that is designed for the weight without compromising its integrity as well as safety standards. The diameter of the bar can be different, but typical sizes for Olympic and powerlifting bars are between 28mm to 29mm. A bit thicker can significantly change the feel, and sometimes influence your lifting technique. 6. Budget Considerations Lastly, the barbell in terms of cost is quite variable. It's pricey when it's made from premium materials and high quality or designed with a particular sport in mind, but if you're serious about weightlifting, a proper investment in a good barbell pays off for itself. You get cheaper ones when you're just starting or a casual lifter, yet they might not be quite as durable, grip well, or perform in the same way. 3. Barbell Grip and Knurling Knurling is the textured pattern that can be seen on the barbell shaft to improve grip. When lifting heavy loads, the aggressiveness of the knurling really does make a difference. Being your own boss Conclusion A correctly chosen barbell depends on the specifics of lifting needs, goals, or budget. Whether it's Olympic weightlifting, powerlifting, or just general fitness, the features that matter most in a barbell include grip, material, load capacity, and rotation. With the right barbell, you will improve your performance and ensure safe, effective lifts for years to come. For Olympic weightlifting, you want a bar with moderate to mild knurling as a too-aggressive grip would interfere with the smoothness of lifting in the snatch or clean. For powerlifting: As powerlifters generally train in maximal efforts, one would typically desire a more aggressive knurling for a firmer grip. For general training: This depends purely on individual preference. That said, typically, a reasonable level of knurling offers comfort without compromising of grip. 4. Barbell Sleeve and Material Other sleeves in the barbells differ in design. Olympic barbells typically have bearings or bushings in the sleeves because there is a higher degree of rotation since you would catch it overhead with considerable spin in some Olympic lifts. For powerlifting bars, the bushings would probably Nov| 2024 Nov| 2024 24 25

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Weightlifting Warriors Mother and Daughter Take on the world