SARVAM proudly presents the remarkable achievement of 49 elderly women, aged between 50 and 90 years, who participated in the 43rd State-Level Masters’ Athletic Competition held from 20 to 21 December 2025 at Karaikudi. Competing alongside nearly 3,000 participants from 38 districts, these women created history by winning a total of 51 medals—18 gold, 22 silver, and 11 bronze—thereby securing the Women’s Championship for Villupuram district for the first time ever. Their participation itself stood as a powerful statement, as many of them articulated that they ran not merely to win medals, but to affirm their enduring strength and vitality.

For the past five years, these village mothers and grandmothers have consistently trained and competed with quiet determination. Selected from five villages, they underwent 15 days of intensive training under a qualified sports master, preparing for events such as hurdles, triple jump, shot put, discus throw, and hammer throw—disciplines entirely new to most of them. Despite being daily wage labourers, some living alone and bearing significant physical and emotional challenges, they trained relentlessly, demonstrating extraordinary resilience and commitment.

One of the most inspiring moments of the competition was when two women aged over 85 years won prizes in the 5,000-metre run, leaving spectators and officials in awe. Their performance drew widespread appreciation from participants across districts and senior officials alike, who recognised them as living symbols of courage and perseverance. Equally moving was their humility after returning home; despite their accolades, they resumed their daily labour the very next day. Supported by SARVAM’s dedicated village volunteers, these women have not only set records but also ignited hope, proving that age is not a limitation but a source of strength, and that dreams remain alive at every stage of life.