Yet he insists medals are temporary. “Placement is not permanent — whether first, second or third. The lifelong win is when you love yourself, when you keep your health. That is more important than any trophy,” he shared.
His reflections extend beyond sport. He believes modern lifestyles and processed food are eroding health. “Today everything is about chasing money and convenience — food changes, people eat more and work less. Disease increases. We must return to balance: natural food, movement, discipline,” he added. He sees traditional Indian practices as a powerful corrective. “Our culture — yoga, pranayama, meditation — helps internal balance. That’s why the body can remain young,” he said. With a laugh, he added, “My body age is 21,” and argued that true youth begins after 40 because experience teaches self-care.
His long-term goal sounds audacious but utterly sincere: “My goal is to be world champion even when I reach 100 years.” It isn’t about records, he says, but about demonstrating that health can be sustained for a lifetime.
As our conversation closed, Venkatesan returned to the message at the heart of everything he does: “Whether you win or fail, that should be secondary. What matters is your path and how you treat your body. Love yourself; that is the real victory.”
