How many women out there are appreciated for their masculine physique as opposed to a ‘feminine’ demeanor? The question is quite simple to answer – very few. And that’s because our societal norms dictate that a woman should look and feel a certain way. But just like many other norms in life, a strong woman is challenging this concept too. She is none other than Shweta Rathore.
Rathore is an international physique athlete who has won accolades and laurels one could have hardly imagined. In 2014, she became the first Indian female to win a medal in a world championship. Rathore won the bronze in the 6th WBPF World Championship.
One would think that to have a strong personality and built like this, Shweta must come from a family of fitness freaks. But in reality, Shweta belongs to a conservative family in Jaipur, Rajasthan and had to face a lot of resistance. Shweta wanted to join the gym when she was in 11th standard, but her father restricted his daughter thinking gyms are only for males.
But Shweta wasn’t the one to take no for an answer. To meet her desire, Shweta soon began bunking tuition classes to go to the gym, until his father finally came around.
This is what Shweta reportedly says about her family’s support:
“In the beginning, my father was completely against me going to train. So I used to bunk tuitions. However, over time he realised how passionate I was and my family also became very supportive.”
It was this passion in her heart that led Rathore to become the first woman ever to claim hat-trick titles. Yes, Shweta Rathore won the Miss India Sports Physique Championship for three consecutive years in 2015, 2016 and 2017. Besides the hat-trick and the bronze in the WBPF World Championship, Rathore also won a silver in the 49th Asian bodybuilding championship.
Wait there’s more! Shweta Rathore also holds the title of Miss World Fitness Physique 2014, and Miss Asia 2015 Fitness Physique. It is however sad to note that there are still many in our society who frown upon female physique athletes. In addition, female athletes do not get the same support from the world of sports, as male athletes.
To ensure that no other female physique athletes face lack of support, Shweta founded Fitness Forever Ltd. The aim of Fitness Forever is to provide complete guidance for those wanting to become physique athletes.
Here is a peak into Shweta’s workout session:
It is women like Shweta Rathore who do not let anything come in their way, that are true inspirations. Share your views in the comments section below.
