70 & Strong! Meet the Woman Redefining Age with Powerlifting
At an age when many people are advised to take it easy, rest more, and avoid strain, Anjali Hazari made a decision that defies expectations—she stepped into the world of powerlifting. In April 2026, she is set to compete in her very first event at the Hong Kong Powerlifting Championships 2026, not in a senior or restricted category, but in the open category. It’s not just a competition. It’s a statement.A Life Always in MotionAnjali’s story doesn’t begin in a gym. It begins decades ago, in a life filled with movement, adventure, and quiet discipline. Raised in Amravati and later settling in Hong Kong, she built a life around activity. As the wife of a merchant navy officer, her early days in Hong Kong were unique, living on a docked ship and running daily to and from the port. What started as a routine soon became a passion. She became a marathon runner and mountaineer, embracing endurance sports not just for fitness but for peace. Running, for her, was meditation, a time to think, reflect, and connect with herself.When the Body Pushes BackBut life, as it often does, had other plans. Years of intense physical activity took a toll. Anjali faced a series of health challenges—shin splints, plantar fasciitis, torn ligaments, and multiple knee surgeries. By the age of 62, osteoarthritis forced her to give up marathon running. Then came even more serious setbacks. In 2020, she underwent major abdominal surgery to remove benign ovarian tumours. In 2022, doctors discovered a parathyroid tumour that had been silently draining calcium from her body, leading to severe Osteoporosis. Her bones were fragile. Her body was tired. Doctors recommended low-impact activities like swimming. For many, that would have been the end of an active chapter. But not for Anjali.A Question That Changed EverythingAfter yet another knee surgery in 2025, which effectively ended her running and trekking days, Anjali faced a defining moment. She didn’t ask, “Why me?” She asked, “What can I still do?” That question changed everything. Instead of retreating into limitations, she stepped into possibility. At the age of 69, she began strength training. Powerlifting is not typically associated with someone in their late 60s or 70s. It involves compound movements like squats, deadlifts, and bench presses exercises that demand strength, precision, and discipline. But under proper guidance and with consistent training, Anjali embraced it fully. What started as an experiment soon became a transformation. Strength training began to rebuild not just her muscles but also her confidence. It helped improve her bone density, stability, and overall health—exactly what her body needed after years of medical setbacks. In a way, lifting weights became her new form of meditation.More Than Fitness: A Lesson in AgingAnjali Hazari’s journey challenges one of the biggest myths about aging: that it is a time of decline. Instead, she shows that it can be a time of reinvention. Her story highlights an important truth supported by health experts: as we age, strength training becomes even more crucial. It helps maintain muscle mass, improves balance, and strengthens bones, which is especially important for those dealing with osteoporosis. Yet, globally, very few older adults engage in regular strength training. Anjali is changing that narrative.Why Her Story MattersAt its heart, this is not just a story about powerlifting. It’s about resilience. It’s about a woman who refused to let her identity be defined by her limitations. It’s about choosing growth over comfort. It’s about finding purpose even when the path changes. For someone in their 60s or 70s reading this, her journey offers hope. For younger generations, it offers perspective. Because strength is not just physical—it is mental, emotional, and deeply human. On April 11, 2026, Anjali Hazari will walk onto the competition floor. The weights she lifts will matter. But what matters more is what she represents. She represents every person who has ever been told, “It’s too late.” She represents every comeback that begins with a single decision. She represents the idea that age is not a limit; it is just a number.
