Vanaja, a 52-year-old finance officer in the UAE, has become the country's first female representative in international powerlifting. Balancing her job at Emirates Airlines with intense training, she has won multiple gold medals in global championships. Her journey proves that dedication and passion can break barriers, inspiring many to prioritize fitness.
Dubai,TNM: At 52, Vanaja has shattered stereotypes and carved a niche for herself in the male-dominated world of powerlifting. A finance officer by profession, she has become the first woman to represent the UAE in international powerlifting championships, proving that dedication and passion can defy age and gender barriers.
Vanaja’s fitness journey began in 2018 when she joined the gym to accompany her son. What started as a casual commitment soon transformed into a serious pursuit when she discovered her strength during a bench press session. Encouraged by her gym coach, Ashwanth, she took up powerlifting, training rigorously under the mentorship of head coach Manikuttan at Giant Gym in Dubai’s Al Qusais. Her unwavering dedication led her to become not only a competitive powerlifter but also a certified coach.
A Career Marked by Triumphs
Balancing her demanding job at Emirates Airlines with an intense fitness routine, Vanaja has secured multiple gold medals in international competitions. Her breakthrough moment came in 2019 at the Asian Classic Powerlifting Championship in Kazakhstan, where she competed in the 63kg category for the 40-50 age group, clinching silver medals in bench press, squat, and deadlift.
Between 2022 and 2024, she participated in Raw Powerlifting Championships in Virginia, USA, securing multiple gold medals across different categories, including strict curl, bench press, squat, and deadlift. In December 2022, she emerged victorious in the Asian Powerlifting Championship in Dubai, outshining over 600 participants. Her latest triumph came in November 2024, when she won gold in the 60kg category for the 50-54 age group.
Leading the Way for UAE Powerlifting
Vanaja currently serves as the chairperson of the UAE’s 100% Raw Powerlifting Federation and has successfully passed the referee examination, enabling her to officiate competitions. She is also actively involved in organizing international tournaments, with a major championship scheduled for November 2025.
Family Support and Past Achievements
While her family initially had concerns about the risks associated with powerlifting, her children, Rima and Pragnesh, stood by her side. Her husband, Vinod, an engineer and guitarist, has been a pillar of support throughout her journey.
Vanaja’s commitment to fitness extends beyond powerlifting. In 2012, she choreographed a winning Zumba routine as part of the Dubai 30x30 Fitness Challenge and became a certified Zumba instructor. She was also a top-five finalist in the classic category of the Mrs. India Worldwide competition for women over 40, held in Palakkad, Kerala, in 2016-17.
Having moved to the UAE in 1999 after marriage, Vanaja believes that prioritizing fitness is essential, especially for women. “Good health is the key to a happy and meaningful life. It may sound like a cliché, but health is truly wealth,” she emphasizes.
Her journey is an inspiration to many, proving that resilience and hard work can break barriers. By lifting weights, Vanaja is not just building strength—she’s lifting aspirations and paving the way for more women to follow in her footsteps.
