In a stunning display of strength and determination, 71-year-old K K Velayudhan from Palakkad, Kerala, has secured a gold medal for India at the prestigious Asian Masters Classic Powerlifting Championship. The event took place in Istanbul on December 10, where Velayudhan, competing in the 59 kg category, defied age stereotypes and lifted his way to the top of the podium.
From 1980s Weightlifter to Masters Champion: A Patient Comeback
Velayudhan's victory is not a sudden miracle but the culmination of a long and patient journey back to the sport he loves. His athletic roots trace back to the 1980s, when he was part of Kerala's pioneering generation of weightlifters, training in an era defined more by grit than glamour. However, like for many, life's responsibilities took precedence. He built a career at Instrumentation Limited in Kanjikode, a central government enterprise, raised a family, and eventually retired. Yet, the discipline and muscle memory of an athlete never left him.
Nearly four decades later, the call of the barbell grew strong again. "Three years ago, at F1 Gym in Muttikulangara, I returned to structured training, this time with a clear focus on masters powerlifting," Velayudhan recounted. His comeback was meticulously guided by former national weightlifters Afsal Fakrudeen and Benson Johnson, who helped him rebuild his strength and refine his technique. His place on the continental stage was confirmed after a dominant performance at the National Masters Powerlifting Championship in Kozhikode, where he set two national records.
Technical Mastery on the Istanbul Stage
In Istanbul, competing in the Masters 4 division for athletes aged 70 and above, Velayudhan delivered a masterclass in composure and technique. His performance in the bench press was particularly remarkable. He successfully lifted 145kg on his final attempt, a weight nearly three times his own body weight, after progressing from 122.5kg and 135kg. This feat secured him the gold medal in his category and marked him as one of the standout lifters of the entire competition.
His daughter, Reshmi, highlighted that the gold was awarded not just for the weight lifted but for his technical efficiency, which was judged to be the best across categories—a rare and prestigious honour. His family, including his wife Indira and daughters Priya, Remya, and Reshmi, formed his core support system. Priya, a former national-level tug-of-war athlete, managed his nutrition and training cycles, bringing an athlete's insight to his preparation.
Powerlifting vs. Weightlifting: A Distinction of Strength
Coach Afsal Fakrudeen took the opportunity to clarify the sport his pupil excels in. "Though often confused, powerlifting and weightlifting are distinct strength sports," he explained. Weightlifting, seen in the Olympics, involves two explosive lifts: the snatch and the clean and jerk. Powerlifting, on the other hand, tests pure strength across three slower, controlled lifts: the squat, bench press, and deadlift. Masters competitions in powerlifting have gained popularity as they allow athletes to compete within their age groups, celebrating strength and technique at every stage of life.
An Inspiration Beyond Age
Back home in Kerala, Velayudhan's achievement has resonated deeply within the sporting community, serving as a powerful inspiration. For the champion himself, age is no barrier. "Age is just a number. Being young is just a feeling," he stated, already looking ahead to his next goal: the World Powerlifting meet scheduled for the UAE in June 2026.
His extraordinary journey—from the chalk-dusted platforms of the 1980s to an Asian podium at 71—stands as a potent testament to a simple truth. With unwavering discipline and enduring passion, one can lift far more than just iron; one can lift spirits and redefine what is possible at any age.
