Powerlifting didn’t enter Anita Arjun Rathi’s life as a competitive ambition—it arrived as a necessity. Diagnosed with knee arthritis, Anita first stepped into the gym with a simple goal: weight loss and recovery. What unfolded instead was the discovery of a strength she didn’t know she possessed, and a journey that would take her from a local gym floor to representing India on the world stage.
Under the guidance of Coach Karan Jangid, Anita’s natural strength began to surface. Encouraged to explore competitive lifting, she entered her first Rajasthan State powerlifting competition—and walked away with a silver medal. That moment, she says, was decisive. It wasn’t just a win; it was clarity. Powerlifting had found her.
A Lift That Defines the Journey
Among the three powerlifting lifts, the bench press holds special meaning for Anita. Not only is it her strongest lift, but it also became her passport to the World Bench Press Championship, where she proudly represented India. Competing on that global platform remains her most defining memory—one that validated years of discipline, effort, and belief.
Strength Beyond the Barbell
For Anita, powerlifting reshaped more than just her muscles—it transformed her mindset. The sport instilled discipline, patience, and self-belief, qualities that now guide her daily life. Challenges are no longer met with hesitation, but with calm confidence. “Powerlifting taught me to face life the way I face weights—focused, fearless, and prepared.”
Discipline as a Way of Life
Consistency and patience are principles Anita lives by. She believes that real results—whether physical or personal—are built incrementally. Showing up every day, improving just a little, and staying committed to oneself has become her personal mantra for discipline.
Silencing Doubts with Results
Early in her journey, Anita often heard discouraging remarks—especially about age. Instead of engaging with doubt, she chose to let her achievements speak.
Her medal tally tells the story clearly:
- State level: 4 Gold, 6 Silver, 2 Bronze
- National level: 1 Gold, 7 Silver, 1 Bronze
- International: 4th place
For Anita, these medals are more than accolades—they are answers.
What Keeps Her Going
On days when motivation dips, Anita leans on her purpose and the unwavering support of her family. She lifts not only for herself, but for women who believe age or circumstance limits them. Consistency, she emphasizes, is the real fuel.
Training Smart, Recovering Strong
Balancing intensity with recovery is crucial in powerlifting, and Anita credits her coach for this equilibrium. With structured programming, proper recovery protocols, quality sleep, and mindful nutrition, she stays injury-free and competition-ready for the long term.
Breaking the Myth Around Women and Strength
One misconception Anita is passionate about changing is the belief that strength belongs only to men. “Being strong doesn’t make a woman less feminine,” she says. “It makes her confident, capable, and empowered.” Strength, for Anita, is not a limitation—it’s an identity.
A Moment That Will Always Shine
Representing India at the World Bench Press Championship in Texas, USA, and finishing fourth remains one of Anita’s proudest moments. Standing on an international platform was proof that dedication transcends borders.
Her Message to Women Starting Out
Anita’s advice is simple yet powerful: Start small, but start today.
Trust the process, believe in your strength, and never let age or fear dictate your potential. Consistency, she reminds us again, is everything.
Anita Arjun Rathi’s journey is not just about lifting weights—it’s about lifting perceptions, breaking barriers, and proving that strength has no age, no gender, and no limits.