For international powerlifter and entrepreneur Gaurii Manochaa, success is not defined by physical strength alone. She believes true victory begins in the mind, where confidence, discipline and resilience are built long before stepping onto the competition platform. Having represented India at international events, Gaurii says every tournament has taught her valuable lessons about handling pressure, overcoming fear and constantly striving to become a better athlete.
Reflecting on her journey, Gaurii admitted that she was nervous during the early stages of her competitive career. However, with experience came confidence and a greater sense of purpose. She said that competing for India changed her perspective completely, as every victory became a source of pride not only for herself but also for her family, coaches and supporters.
According to Gaurii, the greatest motivation comes from seeing loved ones celebrate her achievements. Knowing that her success makes others proud gives her the mental strength to perform under pressure and continue pushing her limits.
Despite winning several competitions, she says nervousness never completely disappears. Instead, she has learned how to control it. Gaurii explained that powerlifting often comes down to just a few seconds on the platform, making mental preparation as important as physical training.
“It is only about 30 seconds,” she said. “If I control my mind, I overcome my fear. If I let fear control me, I lose. That is why I always choose to stay in charge of my thoughts.”
Before every competition, Gaurii follows a disciplined routine designed to help her remain focused. She listens to loud music through her headphones, avoids distractions and concentrates entirely on her own performance rather than comparing herself with other competitors. Alongside mental preparation, she follows a structured programme that includes carbohydrate loading, stretching and a carefully planned competition diet.
Meditation also plays an important role in her routine. She uses it to stay calm, block negative thoughts and remind herself that she is capable of delivering her best performance when it matters most.
Like every athlete, Gaurii has faced setbacks. She acknowledged that missing a lift can affect confidence, but she refuses to let one unsuccessful attempt define the rest of a competition. Instead of dwelling on mistakes, she quickly regains focus and prepares mentally for the next opportunity.
One of the toughest moments of her career came when she reached a competition late and missed one of her scheduled attempts. With only a few minutes remaining before her next lift, she had no time for a proper warm up or nutrition routine and was forced to step directly onto the platform. Although she failed the attempt, the experience strengthened her ability to perform under extreme pressure.
Among her happiest memories is an unexpected personal record achieved with the help of her coach. During one training session, her coach secretly added an extra 10 kilograms to the barbell. Believing she was lifting 110 kilograms, Gaurii successfully completed the lift, only to discover afterwards that she had actually lifted 120 kilograms. The experience taught her that people are often capable of achieving far more than they believe.
Balancing careers in both business and sport has also taught Gaurii the value of consistency and family support. She credits her family for encouraging her after every competition, regardless of the result. Their positive outlook, she says, helps her ignore criticism, stay motivated and keep improving.
For Gaurii, sporting success is about more than medals. She believes that respect for fellow competitors and good sportsmanship are just as important as standing on the podium. Whether she wins or loses, her goal remains unchanged: to become a stronger athlete and a better version of herself with every competition.
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