Sufna Jasmin: Breaking records, one lift at a time

“I felt like I couldn’t do my best despite clearing the national record,” says Sufna Jasmin, her voice steady yet measured.

The new weightlifting sensation from Kerala is soft-spoken, but there’s an unmistakable determination behind her words.

It’s this quiet grit that has propelled her to become one of India’s most promising young athletes in the sport of weightlifting.

Despite a monumental achievement, she’s far from satisfied.

At the National Weightlifting Championships on Monday, Sufna, just 21, broke not one but two national records in the Women’s 45 kg category: a 76 kg snatch and a total lift of 169 kg.

Both feats eclipsed the previous record held by Dipali Gursale, achieved at the National Games last year.

Sufna’s accomplishment has set the weightlifting world abuzz, yet she’s already focused on doing better.

From vaulting to lifting

Interestingly, Sufna’s sports journey did not begin with weightlifting.

“I started with pole vaulting when I was in 8th standard,” she recounts.

Her talent was evident from the start, as she secured a state medal in her first year itself.

But as her progression in pole vault stagnated, she turned to weightlifting, hoping for a fresh challenge.

It didn’t take long for her to make her mark there too.

“I started taking weightlifting seriously after finishing third in Khelo India,” she says, recalling her early foray into the sport.

From then on, the bar was set.

Sufna’s ascent was rapid, but it hasn’t been without obstacles.

“I had a few injuries post-COVID, a back injury first, then a shoulder injury. Injuries are part of the journey, but they’re tough.”

Despite these setbacks, Sufna’s resolve has remained unshaken.

“I always listen to my coaches and my peers to overcome the pressure after injuries,” she adds, acknowledging the role of mentorship in her career.

Her coach, Chitra Chandramohan, a former India coach, has been a guiding light.

“My inspiration is my coaches,” Sufna says.

Their influence is evident not only in her technique but also in her mental fortitude.

Hungry for more

Still, even after breaking national records, there’s a sense of unfinished business.

“To be honest, I was sad because I felt like I couldn’t give my best,” she admits, particularly frustrated by her performance in the clean and jerk.

“Clean and jerk is my thing, and I couldn’t do it properly, so I wasn’t that happy despite clearing the NR.”

For Sufna, the path to success is one of discipline and sacrifice.

Competing in the 45 kg category means she must remain vigilant about her weight.

“Your diet is as important as training,” she says, underscoring the rigors of maintaining her physique.

“We’ve so many restrictions during competition times. Even mobile phone use is very restricted. But we find our happiness in the gym.”

With her eyes set on the future, Sufna’s goals are clear: “I want to win a medal in an international tournament soon.”

Her journey, still in its early stages, is already an inspiring one, and she offers a simple message to aspiring athletes: “Be dedicated and be disciplined.”

For Sufna Jasmin, national records are not the end but the beginning of her pursuit of greatness.