Punching back at life

Coined as the ‘Lady Mohammed Ali of India’, Thulasi Ekanandam who is also known as Thulasi Helen, is famous for her lightning footwork and stinging punches. She is also the Tamil Nadu state champion for the years 2017 and 2018.

Thulasi is an Indian amateur boxer from Chennai who won her first gold medal at the 23rd YMCA Boxing Championship in New Delhi in 2000 in the 42 kg-44 kg weight category.

She started her career in the boxing ring when she was 14, inspired by watching her sister fight. Within weeks, she was punching up the professional boxers.“The Tamil film Irudhi Suttru is based on my life. I and my sister were not even credited in the movie,” Thulasi says.

By the age of 24, Thulasi climbed up to number 3 ranking, and even defeated Olympian Mary Kom. She has won 30 medals in boxing, before a dispute with the state boxing association in Tamil Nadu saw her being pushed into a hiatus from the sport.

“People don’t believe me if I say that I fought with Mary Kom. We had no mobile phones those days, I did not capture anything like the youngsters do today and post on the social media,” she explains.

Thulasi Helen wrapped up her semi-final match at the All India Mixed Martial Arts Nationals Championship with a national record for the fastest knockout in the women’s lightweight category.

Addressing this, Thulasi says, “Martial arts is very different from boxing, it needs a lot of ground practice and I have stopped practicing that now.”

Before building her sporting career, life was difficult, and she has done everything from delivering pizzas to driving an auto to survive.

“Yes, I am an auto-rickshaw driver now; it is my source of income. I have also delivered pizzas, since I’m a racer too; I got rewarded for fast delivery,” she relishes.

Putting her past difficulties behind her, Thulasi is also training and aiming to get back into professional boxing.

A documentary depicting Thulasi’s life called Light fly, fly high has won several awards internationally including in countries like US and Norway. Though it was applauded my many, Thulasi doesn’t seem to be very happy about it. She says, “I didnt even get a clerk job from the Tamil Nadu Government after achieving so much. My sister alone was given a job with the Tamil Nadu police department.”

Thulasi is a true boxing talent and has defeated the reigning world champion several times. Even so, Thulasi still trains in the little local club in Tamil Nadu. Discrimination of people from the lower parts of the social hierarchy made it almost impossible for her to reach her goals. She’s been fighting for ten years and still waiting for a breakthrough.

“I will never ever give up- constant hard work will help me reach my goals,” she concludes. Until then, she will continue to persevere.