What could she be pulling with just a finger that is arousing so much interest from visitors to the Esplanade in Penang?

Woman sets record after pulling 2.7-tonne minivan with just a finger

Pushing a stalled car usually takes more than a pair of hands. But how about doing it with just an index finger – and pulling it instead?

Soldier E. Sasheladevi did just that at the Esplanade yesterday to accomplish the feat of moving a luxury minivan weighing 2.7 tonnes over a distance of 70.2m.

There was the extra weight of a male adult in the vehicle too.

Penang Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee was there to observe the stunt.

Sasheladevi did it in just 99 seconds and got her name into the Malaysia Book of Records.

“The goal was to reach 51m. I did not expect to exceed it, so it was a pleasant surprise,” said Sasheladevi, 27.

No one else had tried this before “so I am glad to have surpassed the planned distance,” she added.

Sasheladevi trained with a coach for three months, focusing on weight lifting and fitness training to prepare for the event.

“I did try to pull the car during my training, but we did not record the distance. When I pulled it today (yesterday), it felt easy,” she said.

As for her diet, Sasheladevi said she only eats steamed fish or grilled meat (chicken or mutton), steamed vegetables and boiled eggs.

Sasheladevi is not new to creating records.

“I previously entered the Malaysia Book of Records in 2008 for lifting a 41kg barbell with two fingers.

“I am a professional weight lifter and have been participating in events and competitions since I was 14,” she said.

She hopes to make it into the Guinness World Records one day.

The event was extra special for Sasheladevi as it was part of a charity event organised by Orient Fitness in collaboration with the Armed Forces to raise funds for the D’Home Mental Health Association.

“I am doing something I love and also get to make a difference for others, which is great,” she said.

Soon who congratulated Sasheladevi, said, “This should be a good example to encourage parents who have children who enjoy sports to pursue it professionally and let them represent the state or country.

“She should be an inspiration to everyone.”

Thumbs up: Sasheladevi holding up a framed certificate from the ‘Malaysia Book of Records’ as she poses for a photo with Soon (behind Sasheladevi), Orient Fitness managing director Baby Goh (on Sasheladevi’s left) and family members.

Display of strength: Sasheladevi pulling the luxury minivan as Soon waves from inside the vehicle at the Esplanade.