Sportspeople will stop at nothing to fulfill their dreams. To achieve their goals, some people sacrifice their hard-earned money, while others work tirelessly in the sun.

Rashmi Iyer, a powerlifter from the city, falls under the latter group. Fire in her belly, the city's fitness trainer won the gold medal for India at the WPC Federation-organized Powerlifting World Championship 2024 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

But for Rashmi, a mother of a 13-year-old son, getting to the platform was no small feat. Getting the money for her trip was the first and most difficult obstacle. Rashmi had to make her financial arrangements because the Indian government did not sponsor the squad.

"I visited several corporate offices in Nagpur, but I came away empty-handed. Not even the politicians were willing to assist me. I decided to take the greatest danger of my life without assistance.

In addition to breaking my husband Ganesh's savings (FDs), I sold part of my gold jewelry. I was willing to do whatever it took to achieve my only goal of winning gold for the nation. I was able to secure the yellow metal for India in Kyrgyzstan because of my diligent efforts," Rashmi said.