In a candid conversation, the Delhi NCR-based powerlifter reflected on the transformative impact of her chosen discipline. “Powerlifting has given me a completely different perspective on life. It has taught me to always give my best, no matter what the situation is. It has taught me discipline and consistency, and it has also shown me that I should never depend on motivation alone. Instead, I should always rely on hard work,” she said.
Manochaa identifies consistency as the cornerstone of both her athletic career and personal growth. “The biggest life lesson I have learned is not to depend on motivation. Instead, be consistent and disciplined,” she shared. This philosophy has extended beyond the gym, influencing how she approaches everyday challenges and professional responsibilities in the Delhi NCR region.
The sport has notably bolstered her confidence, creating a tangible shift in how others perceive and interact with her. “My confidence has increased a lot because now people think twice before picking a fight with me,” she noted with a smile. “I’m from the Delhi NCR region, and I work there as well, where people often get into unnecessary confrontations. But when they see me, they think, ‘She’s strong. If we mess with her, it’ll probably backfire on us.’ So they usually keep their distance, especially the boys.”
Consistency remains her defining habit. When asked about practices that sustain her progress, Manochaa pointed simply to “being consistent and regular.” This steadfast approach has helped her weather the inevitable setbacks that come with competitive sports. Rather than dwelling on defeats, she adopts a constructive outlook. “When I lose, I tell myself that either it was my mistake or it simply wasn’t meant to be,” she explained. “I believe that success is 99% hard work and only 1% luck.”
Her recovery mindset is rooted in optimism and forward momentum. “If today is dark, tomorrow will bring light. If it rains today, there will be a rainbow tomorrow. So what if I lost today? Tomorrow, I’ll get back to work with full determination and continue from exactly where I left off. As they say, ‘done and dusted’ — that’s the way I look at it,” Manochaa added.
On tougher days, she draws strength from personal reflection. “What motivates me the most is looking at how far I have come. I think about where I was when I first started and where I am today. Sometimes, I look at my old photos or my previous lifting records to remind myself of where I began and how much progress I have made since then.”
For Manochaa, success transcends medals and podium finishes. “Success does not mean that you will always win. To me, success means becoming better than the person you used to be. It means how far you have come in life and whether you have moved forward instead of remaining stuck where you started,” she emphasized. “Maintaining consistency is also a form of success in my eyes. And if, in the future, I can live my life without any regrets or ‘what ifs,’ that would be true success for me.”
One of her most significant early battles involved earning family support. Initially, pursuing powerlifting as a young woman proved challenging. “In the beginning, it was very difficult because my family did not support me. I was a girl who wanted to go to the gym, and at that time, protein supplements were often mistaken for steroids,” she recalled. To fund her training, she redirected tuition money, consuming supplements discreetly at the gym due to limited awareness at home.
Over time, growing recognition through social media and her achievements gradually shifted family perspectives. Today, Manochaa takes immense pride in breaking new ground. “One thing I am truly proud of is that I made a name for myself. In my family, I am the first person — not just the first girl, but the first person altogether — to choose powerlifting as a sport. I also had the honor of winning for my country. There has never been a sports background in my family, so I am the first one to take this path and achieve success in it.”
As she continues her career, Manochaa hopes her story inspires the next generation, particularly young women facing similar obstacles. “Do what your heart truly wants, but do it in the right direction. Stay consistent and give not just 100%, but 1000% of yourself. No matter how many odds are against you, never give up. If your intentions are genuine and you are willing to put in the hard work, then no force in the world can stop you from succeeding,” she concluded.
Manochaa’s narrative highlights the broader role of women in Indian strength sports, where determination continues to challenge stereotypes and open doors for future athletes. Her emphasis on discipline over fleeting motivation offers valuable lessons for anyone pursuing excellence in any field.
