Firsts & Fearless TheGlitz Super Woman 2026 Madhu SIngh

Progress rarely arrives with fanfare. Sometimes, it shows up quietly — in the discipline of early morning training sessions, in the courage to begin again, or in the radical decision to prioritise one’s own strength after decades of caring for others.

This Women’s Day, TheGlitz Super Woman celebrates exactly that spirit through our theme “Firsts & Fearless.” It is a tribute to women who refuse to be defined by timelines, limitations, or expectations — women who keep reinventing themselves, who challenge norms, and who turn uncertainty into possibility.

Among the many extraordinary women redefining what fearless looks like is Madhu Singh.

At 69, Madhu Singh is not slowing down — she’s accelerating.

A nationally ranked CrossFit athlete, she has topped the Indian leaderboard in the 60+ category at the CrossFit Open, while also securing a strong continental ranking within her age group. In a sport defined by explosive strength, endurance, and grit — and typically dominated by athletes decades younger — Madhu trains with relentless discipline, pushing her body through high-intensity functional workouts that test strength, mobility, and resilience.

But fitness is only one chapter of her story. Madhu is also an accomplished golfer, having secured national-level Army Ladies Amateur titles in her age category. She balances competitive sport with entrepreneurship and community engagement, embodying a philosophy that fitness and ambition do not belong to youth alone — they belong to anyone willing to commit to growth.

Her journey becomes even more meaningful through her participation in the fourth edition of the Honda-supported marathon promoting road safety and zero traffic fatalities, where her presence sends a powerful message: resilience has no age limit.

In many ways, Madhu Singh represents exactly what Firsts & Fearless stands for — the courage to start again, the determination to grow stronger with time, and the wisdom to transform life’s challenges into stepping stones.

“Women are often conditioned to take care of everyone else first — family, work, and responsibilities — sometimes at the cost of their own health. But the truth is simple: if you are not healthy and strong yourself, you cannot fully support those around you.”

– Madhu SIngh

Over To Madhu Singh 

When was the last time you did something for the first time — and how did it shift your perspective?

One experience that left a deep impression on me was my visit to Khardung La in Leh, which stands at about 18,380 feet above sea level. I had just arrived in Leh late at night and, without allowing my body any time to acclimatize, I decided to visit the pass the very next day.

The outcome was far from pleasant. I felt extremely dizzy and uncomfortable because my body simply was not prepared for the altitude. That experience taught me an important lesson — before stepping into something new, it is essential to understand it and respect the process.

Since then, I have made it a habit to research, prepare, and approach every new journey with patience — whether it is travel, business, or life itself.

What is one truth about being a woman in your industry that deserves more honest conversation?

The hospitality industry has a significant number of women contributing across various roles — especially in operations, guest relations, and service. Women bring a natural sense of care, organization, and attention to detail that the industry values greatly.
However, when we look at leadership and decision-making roles, the representation of women is still relatively limited.
This is a conversation the industry needs to have more openly. Women are already contributing immensely to the growth and success of hospitality, but they also deserve greater opportunities to lead, innovate, and shape the future of the industry.

Tell us about a challenge that tested you deeply — and what rebuilding taught you about yourself.

 One of the biggest challenges in my life was building my own identity while balancing family responsibilities and life as the wife of an Army officer.
Army life comes with frequent relocations and constant changes, which can make building a stable career extremely challenging. There were many moments when starting something new felt uncertain because stability was never guaranteed.
However, rebuilding again and again taught me one of life’s most powerful lessons — resilience. I realized that while circumstances may change, your determination and vision can remain constant.
That journey showed me that strength is not about avoiding challenges; it is about having the courage to begin again whenever life demands it.

What does power mean to you today, and how has that definition evolved over time?
Earlier in life, I believed that power meant authority, position, or success.
Over time, however, my understanding has evolved. Today, for me, power is deeply connected to empathy. When power is guided by empathy, it transforms into true empowerment.
Real power is not about standing above others. It is about uplifting the people around you, nurturing new leaders, and creating opportunities for others to grow alongside you.

Beyond titles and milestones, what change do you hope your journey inspires for the next generation of women?

One message I sincerely hope women take forward is the importance of prioritizing their own health and well-being.

Women are often conditioned to take care of everyone else first — family, work, and responsibilities — sometimes at the cost of their own health. But the truth is simple: if you are not healthy and strong yourself, you cannot fully support those around you.
My message to the next generation is therefore very simple — value yourself, take care of your health, and remember that prioritizing your well-being is not selfish; it is essential.

Rapid Fire: Madhu SIngh Her Firsts

First bold risk you took: One of the boldest risks I took was in the year 2000, when I shipped a consignment to Mauritius. When I arrived there, I realized that I did not have enough money to clear the customs duty.

With no immediate solution, I deposited my passport as a guarantee and promised the authorities that I would raise enough orders within a week to clear the dues. That week was one of the most frightening periods of my life.
Fortunately, I managed to secure the orders and honor my commitment. That experience strengthened my belief that courage and determination can often carry you through even the most uncertain situations.

First time you chose yourself without guilt: In 2005, when I decided to build serviced apartments, I required a substantial loan. However, due to my age and the unconventional nature of the project, banks were hesitant to support me.
Eventually, I requested my elder son to become the guarantor for the loan. He was initially hesitant, and many people around me doubted my capabilities. But I was driven by an unwavering passion to build a career for myself.
For the first time, I chose to believe in my own vision without hesitation — and that decision became a turning point in my journey.

First failure that became a lesson: In 2005, I participated in an exhibition in Munich where I showcased beautifully designed tea cozies and table covers. I went with great confidence, expecting strong interest from buyers. To my surprise, I could not sell a single piece during the entire week, nor did I receive any future orders.
Although disappointing, the experience taught me a valuable lesson: before entering any new market, thorough research and understanding of demand are essential. Passion alone cannot replace preparation and market knowledge.

First big win that felt surreal: One of my earliest moments of achievement came during my student days. In 1995, while studying at Delhi University, I was selected for a research project in Entomology and was awarded a scholarship for the same.

For a young student, it felt incredibly surreal and rewarding. That recognition gave me the confidence to believe in my abilities and pursue opportunities with greater conviction.