Kerala Shelly Joy, a resident of K Kothamangalam, has set an example of women power by traveling from a housewife to becoming the national champion of Pancha wrestling. Shaili, a native of Varappetty, Elangavam, Attaché and wife of Joey Varghese, grabbed everyone’s attention with her stellar performance in the state and national level pancha wrestling competitions. For 56 year old Shaili, who started boxing with the aim of losing weight, this journey is no less than a dream.
Medals won at state and national level
In the 47th State Grant Master Pancha Wrestling Championship held in Kozhikode on January 4, Shaili won two bronze medals in left and right hand wrestling in the weight category above 80 kg. Earlier, he brought glory to Kerala by winning the gold medal in the same category in the 2024 National Masters Games in Goa. In these competitions, Shaili represented the Kerala team, which included players from different states of the country.
Expectations increased after winning the gold medal
After winning the gold medal in Goa, Shaili decided to focus more on her game. She started trying to improve her performance by taking more training.
Journey of inspiration and training
Shaili first got inspiration from trainer Reeza Suresh of Shape Well Gym in Muvattupuzha. Currently she is training under Biju at Biju’s Gym in Perumbavoor and Fesi Moti of Muvattupuzha. Both these coaches are award winners at the international level, who played an important role in improving Shaili’s game.
Family togetherness becomes strength
Shaili’s husband Joy Varghese is an expatriate and they have two children, Shilja Joy and Shinto Joy. The support of her family gave Shaili the courage to turn her dreams into reality. Shaili told that two years ago she started going to the gym to lose weight, but from there her journey reached the wrestling field.
example of women power
56 year old Shaili Joy proved that if a person has passion and determination, then age or circumstances cannot become a hindrance. Her journey is not only inspiring but also shows that every woman can push her limits and reach new heights.
Tags: Awesome Awesome, Local18, Special Project
FIRST PUBLISHED: January 9, 2025, 17:51 IST
