Building dreams

The 23-year-old Majiziya Bhanu, a Muslim woman, was announced the winner of Mr Kerala Bodybuilding Championship in women category in Kochi, recently. Amidst standing ovation, she not only won the title but also many hearts. A final-year BDS student at Mahe Institute of Dental Sciences, Bhanu, hailing from Orkkatteri in Kozhikode is a professional weightlifter but had never taken part in a bodybuilding competition before. However, after seeing pictures of hijab-clad women competing in bodybuilding shows, Majiziya Bhanu decided to give it a go. And, her determination paid off. 

Excerpts:

What made you participate in Women’s Mr Kerala Competition?
I feel very proud and happy about winning a silver medal for our country in May 2017 in Asian Powerlifting Championship held at Indonesia and winning Asian Classic Powerlifting Championship (Deadlift) in December 2017 held at Alleppey, Kerala. It was actually my husband, Nour Ahmad Kohan Alizaey, who made me participate in ‘Women's Mr. Kerala Championship’. Even though I'm active and strong in powerlifting, I have never ever thought of bodybuilding or fitness physique. It's he, who encouraged and gave me the strength. 

Who inspires you to go forward in realising your dreams? 
"My inspiration is always my DREAM" and also my husband. I'm very sporty since my childhood and, I try to do almost every kind of sports that I get interested in. People may know me as a powerlifter or as a bodybuilder but in fact, I play many sports including sprints, hurdles, long jump, shot put, high jump, boxing, arm wrestling, swimming, among others. It was my dream from my childhood to be a sportswoman.

Despite being in professional sports, how do you still manage to study?
I'm a BDS student at Mahe Institute of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Mahe. My sport is my passion and I will never limit it. It’s hard but I manage both my studies and sports together because education is also a very important element in our life.

In a male-dominated society, was it difficult for you to reach where you are today?
Unfortunately, yes, it was very difficult for me to reach where I'm today. Mainly for two reasons - Being a Muslim girl and orthodox society. It was very hard when I started going to the gym. People used to advise me and my parents. I was so tired of explaining. All women have equal rights as the men. I stood for my rights; I fought for my own dreams. My parents supported me and helped me to make my dream come true. All the challenges can be managed if we work hard for it, we can make it happen if we really want to. 

What are your plans for future?
I want to participate in the World Championships. I want to make my husband, parents and my country proud. I want to be a good doctor and also, open a sports academy for talented kids with limited means.

Where do you see Indian girls in next five years and what would be your advice to them?
I can see Indian girls at the top of the world and it will happen soon. All I did is just an attempt. Now, it's all clear how the world is looking at me. Being a girl or being a Muslim doesn't matter. I want to let the world to know that the hijab is not a limiting factor or an excuse. Every religion and every culture is valuable and respectful. No games will put it down if we are on the right way. 

I would suggest to all my Indian sisters and all the women around the world - Articulate your dreams, listen to your intuition, be gusty and take risks, nurture yourself, go with the flow, grab your inner critic, don't be afraid, work hard and stay focused. If at first, you don't succeed, try again. Put yourself out there and never stop.