India's first para-bodybuilder warrior Reshma Ansari takes 111-metre plunge

On Womenrsquos Day 2026 middaycom brings you the inspirational tale of Reshma AnsarimdashIndiarsquos first female parabodybuilder popularly known as ldquoWarrior ReshmardquoComing from a humble background in Mumbai the 34yearold overcame polioinduced paralysis in her right hand scars from multiple leg surgeries and a lifetime of extraordinary challenges to make history on the bodybuilding stagemdashand far beyondHer father a driver for an appbased aggregator and her homemaker mother did everything they could to give her a normal childhood Ansari was enrolled in PES Central School in Navi Mumbairsquos CBD Belapur and later pursued a BMS degree from Satyagraha College in Kharghar never letting her disabilities define herLife took a tragic turn when her father passed away leaving her as the sole breadwinner She battled depression scoliosis and other health issues but in 2019 yoga became her turning pointmdashbringing inner peace strength and resilience that transformed her life and inspired othersToday Ansari works on a contractual basis with the Indian Navy balancing long office hours and commutes with her relentless pursuit of fitness gym sessions and weekend wheelchair cricketEarly struggles and determinationLife was an uphill battle for Ansari Navigating school stairs with a heavy bag coping with limited mobility and growing up without siblings were daily struggles With no guidance in sports or fitness she developed a fascination for exercise walking 30 minutes daily after school to stay activeFinancial challenges added another layer of difficulty Her fatherrsquos modest earnings could not cover higher education so she relied on the generosity of friendsrsquo families and years of tutoring to continue her studiesDifficulties during schoolLife tested her repeatedly In Class 11 a fall fractured her jaw leaving her with a steel plate and a restricted diet In 2020 she was diagnosed with COPD forcing lifestyle adjustments amid fatigue and breathing difficulties Yet through it allmdashlong work hours commutes training and cricketmdashshe perseveredHer mantra fuels her ldquoKoi chiz shiddat se chaho to sari duniya aur khuda sab mila dete hai if you desire something with full intensity the world and God help you achieve itrdquoFrom inspiration to trailblazerAnsaris journey into bodybuilding began in 2021 inspired by the Sheru Classic event in Mumbai Noticing a category for men with disabilities but no female representation she decided to create history Training tirelessly despite financial constraints limited support and physical pain Ansari earned her place on the Sheru Classic Delhi 2022 stageIn June that year she became the only woman among 32 male participantsldquoWith poise confidence and relentless spirit I completed my first bodybuilding posing routine becoming Indiarsquos first speciallyabled female bodybuilderrdquo she told middaycom Since then she has proudly embraced the name ldquoWarrior Reshmardquo inspiring countless others through her courage and determinationHer entry into bodybuilding was a rebellion against stereotypes Her mission is simple yet powerful to prove that there is nothing men can do that women cannot ldquoIf boys can become bodybuilders even girls canrdquo she saysAchievements beyond bodybuildingAnsaris accomplishments extend far beyond the stage She has actively participated in womenrsquos wheelchair cricket earning the Woman of the Match trophy twice and won medals in shot put events Her perseverance has been honoured with the Mumbai Women Leaders Award 2023 Snehajyot Powerful Personality Award 2023 and the Rajmata Jijau Award 2024mdashthe latter presented in recognition of her motherrsquos unwavering supportA leap of courageAdding yet another milestone on January 9 2026 Ansari took a bold 111metre bungee jump in Rishikesh Uttarakhand For most itrsquos an adrenaline rush for her it was a powerful statementAfter planning and preparing for a year and a half she overcame her fearldquoI was not able to stand for long as my right leg is more affected by polio When the guide asked me to put my right leg forward it was the hardest moment But I wanted to take the leap to overcome fear and show the world that people like me are nothing lessrdquo she told middaycom adding ldquoI also did river rafting after bungee jumping in RishikeshDespite doubts and discouragement her willpower prevailedldquoNothing will stop me not even my disabilityrdquo she says adding ldquoEvery woman is strong Difficulties people situations will try to pull us down but we shouldnrsquot stop Keep going and show the power of a womanrdquoInspiration for allAnsari aka Warrior Reshma is more than a bodybuilder or paraathletemdashshe is a symbol of courage resilience and determination Her journey proves that with willpower dedication and the support of loved ones no dream is unattainable