So, who runs the world? Bhopal’s techie-turned bodybuilder, Priyanka Vaishya reigns in top 30 ‘strongman’ league world rankings. She is the only Indian woman in the list. The 25-year-old who hails from a small town in Anuppur district, Madhya Pradesh ranks 28th to stand on the World Strongman League 2018 and has qualified the world meet which is scheduled this year in Goa. The ranking list was released in the previous week and Priyanka is undoubtedly overwhelmed with such an achievement. Christina Bangma from the United States of America secures the first position in the league.

“The latest ranking is quite motivating. I hoped for 35 or thereabouts but 28th in the world feels like a dream come true. It has encouraged me to keep my focus on the world title,” Priyanka was quoted in a TOI report. This is fourth title in her career and she shared the 28th rank with Russia’s Leyla Amirbekyan and Bolivia’s Maria Carmen Soliz Bejarang. “Four back-to-back national titles have helped me secure such a good rank,” continues Priyanka. It was all started three years back, when Priyanka chose to leave her career in a Bangalore’s IT firm and concentrate on her biceps back in Bhopal.

After such arduous training, in 2017 Priyanka got chance to showcase her skill in the “Strongman of India” contest in Kolkata. Since then, it was never looking back for the young woman who has been crowned with four back to back titles. Today she is a trainer at Bhojpur Club in Bhopal and she is thankful to her family for supporting her at a time when she chose to leave her successful career to stand in a spot which is male-dominated. “I am lucky that my parents supported me in realising my dream, which is still a taboo in our society. Their support has been invaluable,” said the 25-year-old.

Confident as she always has been, now her eyes are at the world title. “I do not want to be complacent just because I have entered the top 30. It is definitely very inspiring, but there will be no stopping for me till I hold the world title,” said Priyanka. All good wishes to her as she works hard to make the country proud. You go girl!

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 10, 2018 06:51 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).