Majiziya Bhanu is a celebrated Indian powerlifter and bodybuilder who has shattered stereotypes and made headlines for her accomplishments while proudly wearing the hijab. Hailing from the village of Orkkatteri in Kerala’s Kozhikode district, Majiziya has become a symbol of empowerment, especially for Muslim women in conservative communities. Her journey from a small-town dental student to a global athletic champion is a story of determination, resilience, and defiance against societal norms.
Majiziya’s foray into strength sports began relatively late, during her final years of dental studies. She initially took up boxing in 2016, but soon turned her focus to powerlifting and bodybuilding, where she found her true calling. Despite facing scepticism from certain quarters for her choice to compete while observing hijab, Majiziya remained undeterred. Her decision to retain her cultural and religious identity in such a visually judged and physically demanding sport challenged the mainstream narrative and broadened perceptions of who can be an athlete.
Her accolades came swiftly. In 2017, she made a mark on the international stage by winning a silver medal at the Asian Powerlifting Championship in Indonesia. The following years were even more successful: she claimed gold medals in the World Deadlift Championships held in Moscow in both 2018 and 2019. Domestically, Majiziya was declared the “Strong Woman of Kerala” three times by the Kerala State Powerlifting Association, a recognition of her consistent dominance in the sport.
In 2018, Majiziya made headlines by winning gold in the Women’s Model Physique category at a bodybuilding championship in Kerala. This was particularly noteworthy as it was the first time a hijab-wearing woman had competed—and won—in such an event in India. She stood on stage not only as an athlete but as a symbol of inclusion, showing that women can assert their strength without compromising their identity.
Parallel to her athletic success, Majiziya continues to pursue her career in dentistry, juggling the demands of rigorous academic training with intense physical preparation. Her ability to balance these two demanding fields has earned her admiration across India and beyond.
Majiziya’s influence goes beyond medals and trophies. In her hometown, she has inspired a new wave of female participation in sports, especially among young Muslim girls who previously believed such arenas were off-limits. Her courage to defy tradition and rise in a male-dominated space has made her a powerful role model.
In interviews, Majiziya often emphasises that wearing the hijab has never been a limitation, but rather a source of strength. Her message is clear: faith and ambition can coexist. Through her journey, she continues to challenge conventions, elevate women’s sports, and redefine what it means to be strong in today’s India.
Majiziya Bhanu’s legacy is not just about lifting weights—it’s about lifting barriers, lifting spirits, and lifting generations of women to believe in their power.