Tamil Nadu: A nine-months pregnant woman from Tamil Nadu has set a world record in the traditional game of Silambam martial art when she performed it for straight 6 hours on International Women’s Day.
The 29-year-old Sheela Das, a native of Anaikadu, was one of the participants in Pattukkottai where the pregnant woman’s record was set for five hours and Das extended it to six hours, creating a new world record.
Sheela has been interested in sports since the age of 7 and she holds a black badge in karate, boxing and weightlifting. The Tamil Nadu woman also hold the title of ‘Iron Womam’ along with a national record in weightlifting category.
“I have been interested in sports right when I was seven and have learned Silambam, boxing, karate. I have also participated in many competitions and won several prizes. Since I am pregnant, it was only with mental courage that I could achieve this feat beyond physical exertion,” Sheela told reporters after setting the world record.
What is Silambam?
It is a weapon-based Indian martial art originating in Tamil Nadu in the Indian subcontinent. This style is mentioned in Tamil Sangam literature. It is played with a special wood called ‘bamboo’.
first published:March 14, 2022, 1:52 p.m.
