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1 hour ago
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The sport of weightlifting has deep roots in Sathuvachari, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, which has produced a significant number of internationally acclaimed weightlifters. For over five decades, Atlas Gym, one of the oldest gyms in Sathuvachari, has been the training ground for many aspiring athletes.
The journey began under a thatched roof in the 1970s, where passionate youngsters trained by lifting grinding stones due to the lack of advanced training equipment. Sathuvachari, a small village at the time, offered little in terms of modern facilities. Despite the primitive conditions, the dedication of the youth was unwavering, and their dreams continued to take flight.
A pivotal moment in Sathuvachari’s weightlifting history came when M. Tamilselvan brought pride to the place by winning a silver medal at the 1978 Commonwealth Games in Edmonton, Canada. He was also the first from the village to secure a job in the Indian Coach Factory. His achievement set a precedent, and many followed in his footsteps, taking up rigorous training and securing jobs in the Indian Army, the Air Force, the Navy, the Border Security Force, the Railways, and the Postal Department.
Sathuvachari has since produced four Arjuna awardees, five Olympians, and 20 international champions. Today, the area, which has grown into a town, boasts nine active gyms, fostering talent across generations.
In 2018, the Centre of Excellence for Weightlifting, under the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu, was established for boys and girls. The centre trains students, aged 12 to 17, from across Tamil Nadu. These young athletes receive world-class, scientific, and systematic training, supported by top-tier equipment, qualified coaches, and hostel facilities. They are also provided with nutritious meals, eight times a day, of a total of 4,000 calories to ensure their optimal physical development.
In addition to resident athletes, boys and girls from outside also come here to train. The Centre is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of champions, with the goal of achieving success on the global stage.
Photo: C. Venkatachalapathy
Get set, go: An athlete preparing to lift weights at the Atlas Gym in Sathuvachari, which has emerged as a hub of training and excellence.
Photo: C. Venkatachalapathy
Baby steps: Trainees perfecting their barbell conditioning routine at the Centre of Excellence in Sathuvachari of Tamil Nadu.
Photo: C. Venkatachalapathy
Counting calories: Hostel inmates at the centre getting their daily quota of milk, dried fruits and nuts to meet nutritional needs.
Photo: C. Venkatachalapathy
Cool down: Members of Atlas Gym in Sathuvachari relaxing after completing a workout session.
Photo: C. Venkatachalapathy
Prepping for power: An athelete tightening a crepe bandage for wrist support before a workout at Atlas Gym.
Photo: C. Venkatachalapathy
Strong foundation: Trainees doing core exercises at the Tamil Nadu government’s Centre of Excellence in Sathuvachari.
Photo: C. Venkatachalapathy
Daily drill: Trainees engaged in a strengthening exercise at the Centre of Excellence.
Photo: C. Venkatachalapathy
Raising the stakes: A trainee assembling weight discs and bar for a heavy lift.
Photo: C. Venkatachalapathy
Rigorous routine: Day scholars training at the Sathuvachari Centre of Excellence.
Photo: C. Venkatachalapathy
Full steam: An athlete during a weightlifting session at the Atlas Gym.
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