Kathmandu, 13 Dec: Sharmila Shah of Pokhara has been actively involved in fitness for the past 13 years and has been providing training at various fitness centers in Pokhara for the last five years.
In 2019, when the COVID-19 pandemic began, she started learning powerlifting. Alongside this, she continued working as a fitness trainer.
Most gym and fitness trainers in Pokhara are men. Trainers often told Sharmila that women should not lift heavy weights. She did not agree with this mindset, which eventually drew her deeper into powerlifting.
“After the lockdown, when I went to the gym and lifted heavy weights, trainers used to tell me that lifting heavy makes women look like men and that women should not lift heavy,” she said. “I did not accept this. Instead, I focused more on proving why we cannot do it.”
Since taking up powerlifting, Sharmila has participated in various competitions—both local gym-organized events and national tournaments—never missing an opportunity to compete.
She has never lost a powerlifting competition. While she has won gold medals in most events, she secured a silver medal only once, at the Asian Games held in Kathmandu three months ago. She also became the overall champion at the National Powerlifting Championships held in Nepal in 2024 and 2025.
With growing interest in powerlifting, Sharmila once again represented Nepal at an international powerlifting competition held in Sri Lanka from November 27 to 30. A total of 27 athletes, both men and women, represented Nepal at the event.
Sharmila’s goal was not limited to winning gold in the 84 kg weight category; she was determined to win the overall title. Before her turn, Indian athlete Sarita Sharma lifted heavier weights, making the overall title a tough challenge. Sarita led the overall rankings on the first and second days of the competition.
“India’s Sarita posed a big challenge, and defeating her was not easy,” Sharmila said. “We planned to win even if it was by a narrow margin.”
At the competition organized by the World Powerlifting Federation in coordination with the Sri Lanka Powerlifting Federation, Sharmila won the gold medal in the 84 kg weight category. She also defeated India’s Sarita Sharma to become the overall champion, while Sarita finished as the runner-up.
Competing against athletes from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Australia, Russia, and other countries, Sharmila emerged as the women’s overall champion, bringing pride to Nepal.
Sharmila said that she personally covered all expenses while representing Nepal in international competitions. She added that difficulties arose because the Nepal Powerlifting Federation has not been renewed under government authorities.
“When I went to Sri Lanka to compete, all the expenses were my own. Even as an overall champion, what I received was only a medal,” she said. “We faced problems because the Nepal Powerlifting Federation is not renewed.”
World powerlifting champion Sharmila returned to Pokhara on Thursday. She was warmly welcomed and honored at Pokhara Airport by Bullsmen Club.
Bullsmen Club President Nuna Gurung said Sharmila was welcomed and honored for becoming an overall champion at an international competition and for bringing recognition to the country. Members of the Kaski Powerlifting Association and fellow athletes were also present at the reception.
“I never imagined that I could become a world champion within just five years of starting powerlifting,” Sharmila said. “But if you continue with confidence and dedication, it is possible.”
