Karnam Malleshwari did single-handedly for India, what a 71-member strong contingent failed to do – she brought home a bronze medal from Sydney. By becoming the first Indian woman to win an individual medal at the Olympics she not only shut up her many critics, but also provided the lone cause for cheer to what was another dismal Indian show at the quadrennial Games. In an interview to Manushri Bahukhandi, she recounts her moment of triumph, talks about her likes and dislikes and discusses her plans for the future. By: Manushri Bahukhandi

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Q1How do you feel after winning the only medal for our country?
A1 I feel very happy and proud that I have won a medal for our country.
Q2 Did the realisation sink into you at that point of time that you have won a medal for our country or did it take you some time to come to terms with it?
A2 Actually my competition was on the 19TH and I was the first one to get the medal, and I felt very proud that I am not returning to my country empty handed.

Q3 At that point of time how would you describe your feeling of winning the medal, what was going into your mind?
A3 I did not feel very happy also because I lost a gold medal, but then I also realised that in a player’s life there will be ups and down so it was okay. But then in the next Olympics I will perform very well and try to get the gold medal. But at the same time I was happy that I have got a medal for my country.
Q4 There were rumors that you will retire, so what made you change your mind? A4 Actually you must have seen that a lot of newspapers and magazines wrote very disturbing things about me, that was the time when I decided I will retire. But then I also realised that after a lot of struggle I had gone to Olympics, I have been World and Asian Games champion so therefore I decided that why should I retire after struggling so much.

Q5 Was it difficult as a woman taking up weightlifting as a profession? How did your family react to it?
A5 That way I have always been very lucky. My sister has been my first coach and it was under her that I started my training. Even my parents never pressed me for doing specific work and they even didn’t differentiate between a girl and a boy. They have been very supportive and very helpful. Even after my marriage, my in-laws proved to be very supportive as my husband is also a weightlifter. All of them take a keen interest in the sport.
Q6 Are you planning to do anything for girl children or women in specific?
A6Actually right now I am planning to open a weightlifting academy for young children. For this purpose I am planning to buy land and have even spoken to the Haryana Chief Minister. I have also asked the people for support -- especially NRIs -- to support and help in the building of this academy. I am also giving interviews in TV and magazines. This academy is not for me but for the whole country, so that there would better performers than me in the future who can get a gold medal for the country.

Q7 What exactly will this academy aim at?
A7 This academy will primarily aim at getting the children out of the remote villages and help them get weightlifting training. This academy will have children aged till 8-10 years.

Q8 In Indian villages you have a lot of talent then why don’t you think these children are taken? A8 Yes, it is the fact that real talent lies in the interior villages and they don’t get proper opening or training. Also to a certain extent parents are also responsible for not letting the child explore his talent. Even if the child has a potential they will first make him complete his/her education and by that time the child is 18-19 years old which is very old to then start his/her training.
Q9What is your routine going to be now since you have come back from Olympics?
A9Right now I am busy with all the official parties that are being held and after a month I shall come back to my normal routine. My routine is broken up into 3 schedules, so after completing one you take rest and then again start your training so this takes up all of your time.

Q10On the lighter side what do you prefer? Do you prefer watching TV, movies or do you like cooking?
A10 I like cooking though not too frequently. I also like watching TV a lot but because of my tight schedule I rarely get to watch too much TV.

Q11If you have the power what would be one thing that you would really like to end?
A11If I have the power I would like to end corruption, if corruption ends then everything will fall into place. India has everything it has got talent, resources but as long as corruption is there, we will not be able make full use of this.

Q12 Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
A12 Right now I am busy with my academy and making sure that the academy produces extremely talented children, so this automatically will take a lot of time.

Q13 Isn’t it stressful for you to manage your household and your training sessions?
A13 Along with my training I will also take care of my household. Everything has to be taken care of. Though its not easy but if you have a will to do it and your heart set on the goal there is nothing that is going to stop you.