Her power, her story: Alifiya Vagh lifts weights, runs business and nurtures family with grace…
By Sujata Rajpal
At an age when most women begin to scale back their fitness ambitions (if they had any to begin with), Alifiya Vagh chose to start hers. At 40, she stepped into the world of powerlifting. Most mornings, before the city has fully woken up, Alifiya is already at the gym, lifting weights.
Later in the day, she shifts gears to run her family’s furniture business, discussing designs with customers at their store. Evenings are for the family or unwinding through paper crafts.
Athlete, entrepreneur and mother of twin teenage girls, Alifiya moves between these roles with determination and elan.
The seeds of her strength were planted early in life. “My father always believed that women are capable of much more than they are often allowed to do,” she recalls. “He raised my brother and me to be strong-willed and independent.”
Like most women, her early adulthood was devoted to family responsibilities. Years passed as she focused on raising her daughters and managing her home and work. Then came a moment of reflection. “I reached a stage in life when I asked myself: What is it that I want to do just for myself?” she says. “The answer was powerlifting.”
Man’s forte, a myth
Many women grow up believing that lifting heavy weights is a man’s domain and that biologically they cannot match men in strength. Alifiya believes this perception needs to change. “Women are mentally very strong, but they often underestimate their physical strength,” she says. “Weightlifting being a man’s job is simply a myth.”
Her journey began at ‘V2OMax’, a fitness centre that specialises in physiotherapy and strength training. She began with lighter weights and gradually built both strength and confidence. “Once I picked up weights, there was no going back.” A twinkle in her eyes says all.
As her training progressed, Alifiya steadily increased the weight she lifted. Before long, she found herself competing. In 2019, she participated in her first national championship and won a bronze medal. That early success made her realise the potential she had in the sport.
Professional coaching, commitment
To improve further, she sought professional coaching and began training under Bengaluru-based powerlifting coach Sujay Janardhan, a World and Commonwealth Powerlifting Gold Medallist.
The commitment required time, discipline and careful planning. “No sport can be excelled at without proper coaching,” she says. “Having the right guidance makes a huge difference. I am grateful to my trainer and fellow powerlifter B.S. Chandan, who is my biggest support and inspiration. He accompanies me to all my competitions.”
In 2023, Alifiya represented India at the Equipped Asian Powerlifting Championship held in Alappuzha, Kerala.
Competing on an international stage for the first time, she won a gold medal with a total lift of 400 kg, an achievement that marked a significant milestone in her journey. In 2024, at the National Masters Classic Powerlifting Championship, Indore, the deadlift of 170 kg equalled the existing national record.
Family support
Behind her success stands a strong support system. “I’m fortunate to have married into a very supportive family and to have excellent help at home,” she says. “Without them, balancing everything would have been impossible.”
Initially, her decision to pursue powerlifting surprised many people around her. Having undergone surgery, I was concerned that lifting heavy weights might be risky.
But as people saw her commitment and discipline, their scepticism gradually gave way to encouragement. Today, her passion has even inspired the next generation. One of her daughters has begun powerlifting training as well.
Despite managing a demanding business and family life, Alifiya continues to pursue ambitious goals in the sport. She is preparing to compete at the Commonwealth Classic and Equipped Powerlifting competition in Canada this year, followed by the Asian Powerlifting competition.
Entrepreneur or a powerlifter?
When asked whether she enjoys being an entrepreneur or a powerlifter more, she pauses before answering. “It’s difficult to choose.” She smiles.
Her contagious smile reflects the determination behind her journey. “I enjoy both equally. Sports teach patience, dedication and focus. These qualities are essential in business too.”
For Alifiya, the biggest lesson from powerlifting goes beyond medals and titles. “When you step onto the platform to attempt a lift, nothing else matters,” she explains.
“Your social status, profession and your family background. None of that counts. It’s just you and the weight. That’s why sport is such a great equaliser.”
Alifiya has a word of advice for aspiring powerlifters. Start small, understand your body, pay attention to nutrition and always train under the supervision of a qualified coach.
“Never ego-lift. Always respect the bar.” And for anyone wondering whether it might be too late to start, her answer is clear. “No age is too young and no age is too old. Whenever you begin, that is the right age.”
Women are mentally very strong, but they often underestimate their physical strength. Weightlifting being a man’s job is simply a myth…
No age is too young and no age is too old. Whenever you begin, that is the right age.
Designing spaces, managing every detail
When asked about her involvement in her family business, she says: “I primarily focus on residential projects rather than large-scale projects like hotels. My work revolves around kitchens, TV units, beds and furniture. From understanding the clients’ requirements to offering suggestions, meeting with clients, designing, preparing electrical and plumbing drawings, overseeing production, managing execution, and finally handing over the completed project, I’m involved in every stage. I have a team that supports me, but I constantly monitor and oversee the entire process to ensure everything runs smoothly.”
“Although I’m not an architect or an interior designer by profession, I’ve learned everything on the job over the years. The rest of my time is spent at our retail store.”
“My typical day starts at 5 am, followed by a couple of hours of powerlifting. From around 10.30 am to 8.30 pm, I’m at the store, with occasional site visits in between. It’s a hectic schedule, but it never feels like work because I genuinely enjoy what I do,” adds Alifiya.
Laurels earned
- Alifiya is an 8-time State Classic and Equipped Powerlifting gold medallist from 2019 to 2025
- 5-time National Classic and Equipped Powerlifting gold medallist from 2019 to 2025
- ASIAN Equipped Powerlifting gold medallist in 2023
This post was published on March 17, 2026 6:05 pm