Age is no barrier: Pedana weaver’s golden journey | Fusion - WeRIndia

In a world where age often dictates limits, a few lives redefine possibility through discipline and resolve.

Varada Bhimeswara Rao, a 63-year-old weaver from Pedana, has emerged as a powerful symbol of fitness, dedication, and sporting excellence.

Despite limited formal education and a modest economic background, his journey continues to inspire hundreds of youngsters.

Belonging to a Chenetha traditional weaver family, Rao studied only up to the 7th standard.

However, his educational limitations never weakened his ambition. Instead, his deep interest in physical fitness shaped his life early.

At the age of 25, he began training in a traditional natu gym, long before modern fitness centres became common.

Through natural exercises and manual strength training, he built endurance and mental toughness.

Even at 63, Rao follows a strict and disciplined routine. He trains four hours every day, spending two hours each in the morning and evening. Moreover, his lifestyle reflects consistency and self-control.

A simple diet and unwavering commitment help him maintain peak physical condition. As a result, he continues to compete successfully against much younger athletes.

Recently, Rao delivered an outstanding performance at the SBKF International Games 2026 held in Pokhara, Nepal. Around 300 participants from different countries took part in the event.

Competing in the 83 kg category, he won nine medals across multiple disciplines. Remarkably, eight of those medals were gold.

His victories came in shot put, weightlifting, powerlifting, bodybuilding, and swimming, bringing pride to India.

His achievements at the national and state levels are equally impressive. In September 2025, he clinched six gold medals at the Karnataka State Powerlifting Championships in Bengaluru.

Earlier, he secured gold medals at competitions in Hyderabad and other state capitals. Additionally, he has earned several medals at national-level events across the country.

Rao credits his success to the guidance of his coach, Puchala Subramanyam. He also draws strength from constant encouragement by his family and local community.

Importantly, many youths have adopted fitness routines after watching his dedication. For Rao, inspiring others brings the greatest happiness.

His life stands as living proof that determination, discipline, and hard work can overcome age and circumstance.

Image from Pxhere (Free for commercial use / CC0 Public Domain)

Image Published on January 22, 2017

Image Reference: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/516099