Rajani Shrestha, born in 1981 in Jhapa, Nepal, is an inspiring female bodybuilder who has overcome many challenges to reach where she is today. Her story is one of strength, determination, and a love for fitness, even though her journey was filled with health problems, societal criticism, and tough times.
Rajani lived a normal life in Jhapa, focusing on family and daily responsibilities. She had no interest in bodybuilding until she faced a serious health scare at the age of 32. She developed symptoms like knots in her throat, which doctors suspected might be cancer. This period was very stressful for her. However, her husband encouraged her to start working out to improve her health. At first, she wasn’t sure about the idea, but eventually, she joined the gym, and it made a huge difference. Not only did her health improve, but she also started feeling stronger.
Over time, Rajani became passionate about fitness and bodybuilding. She began in 2016, even though bodybuilding, especially for women, wasn’t widely accepted in Nepal at the time. People criticized her for gaining muscle, often questioning her appearance and calling her “too masculine.” Despite this, Rajani stayed focused and pushed through the negativity, supported by her husband, who was her biggest cheerleader.
Bodybuilding wasn’t easy, especially for a woman, but Rajani was determined. She followed a healthy diet, including homemade meals and avoiding oily food. For competitions, she ate boiled food. She also took supplements like multivitamins and glutamine to help her muscles stay strong.
Rajani competes in the men’s bodybuilding category, where the goal is to build muscle mass and size. Her first major achievement came in 2019 when she won a competition in Indonesia, proudly representing Nepal.
However, her journey wasn’t without sacrifices. She once missed a competition in South Korea because she couldn’t get a visa. Bodybuilding is also an expensive sport, and Rajani has funded her competitions on her own, with little help from the government. She hopes that one day, athletes like her will receive more support from the government.
Through her journey, Rajani has learned the importance of patience and discipline. She believes that anyone can pursue their passion, no matter their age or gender. She encourages others to dedicate time to fitness and take care of their health. Looking back, she wishes she had started bodybuilding earlier but is grateful for the changes it has brought to her life. Rajani’s story proves that with determination, anyone can transform their life, regardless of the challenges they face.
