International Women’s Day
Testimony to indomitable spirit of dreaming big, breaking barriers
STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment is the hallmark of Sweety Sharma’s life as a sportsperson and the challenges she faced while turning into a champion powerlifter from an ace cricketer.
As the world celebrates International Women’s Day, it is essential to throw light on extraordinary women who challenge norms and redefine boundaries.
J&K has produced a big number of women stars in the sporting field from time to time. Para Archer Sheetal Devi, Gymnasts Muskan Rana and Bavleen Kaur, Fencer Shreya Gupta, Cricketer Roopali Slathia, Judoka Shweta Thakur, Wushu players Ansha Chisti, Ayeera Chisti and Kaifa Shah, besides the Coaches Krupali Patel Singh and Veena Sharma are a few to name.
It is our duty to highlight their passion and contribution in the sporting world.
Meet one of such stars Sweety Sharma, whose journey from sports enthusiast to ace cricketer and champion powerlifter is nothing short of inspiration
Sweety’s tryst with sports began in fifth standard when she first stepped onto the volleyball court, representing her school in inter-school competitions. However, it was during her 10th standard that destiny took a remarkable turn. Encouraged by her school, DBN, she tried out for the National cricket team and not only got selected but also earned the title of the best fielder in her debut national tournament held at Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh.
From there, Sweety Sharma continued brilliance, competing at various levels – state, national, zonal, university, Rani Jhansi tournaments representing Jammu & Kashmir and even making it to the India Camp.
Despite the demands of her academic pursuits, including obtaining a law degree from Jammu University, and later balancing the responsibilities of marriage and a job, she never let go of her passion for sports.
Shifting to Delhi, Sweety Sharma had the opportunity to play for Railways but eventually found her calling from Container Corporation of India, a navratna PSUs, where her husband was already employed. She even played with the CONCOR Men’s team and served as a selector on occasion, showcasing her expertise and dedication to the sport.
But Sharma’s journey didn’t stop there. With a deep-rooted commitment to fitness and a relentless drive to push her limits, she ventured into powerlifting at the age of 48. Inspired by her ease in lifting heavy weights during gym sessions, she embarked on a new chapter in her sporting career.
With unwavering dedication and perseverance, Sweety Sharma has achieved remarkable success in powerlifting, earning numerous accolades including gold and silver medals at state and national championships.
Her recent accomplishments include winning gold in the PI National Bench Press Championship and being awarded the prestigious Nari Shakti Puraskar in 2023.
Sweety’s journey serves as a beacon of hope and empowerment for women everywhere. Despite the challenges of balancing personal, professional, and sporting commitments, she continues to defy expectations and set new standards of excellence.
As Sweety Sharma prepares to represent India in the upcoming world Benchpress Championship in their Texas USA, her story is a testament to the indomitable spirit of women who dare to dream big, break barriers and shatter stereotypes.
Let us celebrate Sweety Sharma’s achievements and draw inspiration from her remarkable journey this International Women’s Day, as we strive to create a world where every woman has the opportunity to pursue her passion and fulfill her potential.
