Fifty-four-year-old Bangladeshi housewife rises to international powerlifting success
Fifty-four-year-old Bangladeshi housewife rises to international powerlifting success
At 54, Shammi Nasrin has emerged as Bangladesh’s most decorated female powerlifter, defying age-related health challenges to secure international gold medals and national records. What began as a journey to manage diabetes alongside her son at a local gym has transformed the housewife into a trailblazing athlete currently eyeing the World Powerlifting Championship.
Nasrin’s entry into the sport was unconventional. Encouraged by her eldest son, Tanvir Faysal, she began visiting the gym in 2019, years after the Bangladesh Powerlifting Association was founded by Mominul Haque. While her son eventually stopped training, Nasrin persisted, becoming an inspiration for other women. Following her debut in the 2020 National Championship, she has claimed three national titles, nine national records, and a series of Asian-level medals.
Her international breakthrough came in 2023, when she became the first Bangladeshi woman to medal at the Asian Powerlifting Championship. In 2025, at the Asian Open and Masters Classic Powerlifting Championship in Istanbul, Nasrin dominated the 63kg Master-2 category. By executing squat, bench press, and deadlift maneuvers, she lifted a combined 322.5 kilograms to win three gold medals and one bronze.
Maintaining peak physical condition at her age requires strict discipline. Nasrin adheres to a regimen consisting of boiled vegetables, chicken breast, red rice, and a high intake of eggs—sometimes consuming up to ten per day. This lifestyle has not only mitigated her health issues but also integrated seamlessly into her family life. Despite the demands of managing a household, she often attends training sessions in her saree, a testament to her dedication that has earned her the nickname "Auntie" among peers at Mirpur’s Raihan Fitness.
The path to success is paved with both personal and financial sacrifices. Nasrin funds her own international travel and equipment, supported by her husband, Shamsul Haque, who ensures her nutritional needs are met. Her commitment is such that she once competed in a qualifying round on the morning of her son’s wedding, managing domestic preparations and catering before heading to the competition.
Mominul Haque, founder of the Bangladesh Powerlifting Association, describes Nasrin as an icon of resilience. He notes that while the sport remains unfunded by the government and relies on individual initiative, Nasrin’s progress signals a significant shift in women’s sports in Bangladesh.
Looking ahead, Nasrin is focused on the World Powerlifting Championship. She expresses a desire to continue competing until the age of 80, provided her health remains stable. Her message to others is simple: prioritizing physical fitness requires self-love, discipline, and unwavering courage. For Nasrin, the gym is no longer just a place to exercise—it is where she has redefined her life, proving that strength and ambition have no age limit.
