Sahadiya Navas: 16-Year-Old Indian International-Level Powerlifter Competing in the 52KG Weight Category (Asian Medalist Powerlifter)

 Sahadiya Navas Interview

"I just wanted to test my limits—now, nothing feels more real than the weight on that bar and the strength I never knew I had."

1. What first sparked your interest in powerlifting?

Honestly, I just wanted to test my own limits. Once I started, nothing else felt as real and empowering as loading up the bar and taking control of it. That moment—when it’s just you and the weight—is when I feel the most alive and grounded.

2. What did stepping onto the national stage for the first time feel like?

It felt surreal—like a dream finally coming to life. The lights, the crowd, the weight of the bar—it all came together in this intense, unforgettable rush of adrenaline. That moment will always stay with me as proof of how far passion and persistence can take you.

3. What's the toughest part of your daily training routine?

Honestly, it’s sticking to the diet. People often overlook how crucial nutrition is, but every meal directly affects performance. Without the right fuel, there's no power behind the lift. Consistency in eating clean and on time is mentally tougher than the training some days.

4. How do you stay focused while balancing school and sport?

It definitely isn’t easy. There are days when everything feels overwhelming, but I’ve learned that discipline and clear priorities are key. I remind myself daily why I started and what I’m working toward. That internal motivation helps me push through, even on the hard days.

5. What message do you want to send to young girls watching you?

I want them to feel inspired—to know they can be strong, powerful, and unapologetically take up space. Strength has no gender, and it’s time we break every limitation that society still tries to place on us. The future is strong, and it’s female too.

6. What's one myth about strength training you wish people would stop believing?

The idea that training every single day leads to faster progress—it’s just not true. Without proper rest and recovery, your nervous system, muscles, and joints don’t have the time they need to adapt and grow. Smart training is about balance: train hard, but recover smarter.

7. If your strength had a superpower name, what would it be?

Dominara. It sounds powerful, fierce, and commanding—just like how I feel when I step up to the bar.

Bio:

Sahadiya Fathima is a 16-year-old Indian international-level powerlifter competing in the 52kg weight category. She began her powerlifting journey in her early teens, and by the age of 15, she had already earned the prestigious title of National Champion. Most recently, she achieved the title of Vice Champion of Asia, marking her as one of the youngest and most promising athletes in the sport.

What sets Sahadiya apart is not just her strength on the platform, but the powerful story behind it. Once a regular schoolgirl with a routine of classes and homework, her life transformed into a disciplined, high-performance schedule filled with intense training, strict diet, and relentless focus. Her journey is a testament to dedication, grit, and the pursuit of excellence.

Beyond the weights, Sahadiya is also a rising fitness content creator, using her platform to inspire young girls around the world to break stereotypes and pursue strength—both physical and mental. She is a vocal advocate for gender equality in sports, encouraging girls to challenge societal norms and redefine what it truly means to be strong.

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Interviewed by: Impu Rao
Edited by: Shantanu Singh