From weight loss journey to international champion: Hashnu fulfils long-cherished dream

DIMAPUR, JUL 14 (NPN): Nagaland’s Lily Hashnu has fulfilled her long-cherished dream of winning an international gold medal before retiring from competitive bodybuilding. At the 16th South Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championship 2026 recently held in Thimphu, Bhutan, she clinched the top honour in the Women’s Model Physique (Up to 155 cm) category, marking her first international gold and a proud moment for both India and Nagaland.
Hashnu, who had already announced plans to retire this year, said she entered the championship with a single goal—to secure an international gold before stepping away from the sport. By God’s grace, she said, her final attempt turned into a historic victory.
Reflecting on her journey, Hashnu explained that since 2018, she had consistently returned from competitions with medals or trophies, finishing among the top five even when she missed gold. She had already won gold at state and national levels, but international success had remained elusive. Determined to achieve this milestone, she endured months of strict preparation, balancing her own training with daily personal training sessions for clients, while also recovering from a serious knee injury. She admitted there were moments of doubt during the exhausting 4 to 5-month preparation, but her goal of winning before retirement kept her motivated.
Hashnu’s entry into bodybuilding was unexpected. In 2017, weighing nearly 80 kilograms and facing frequent remarks about her appearance, she joined a gym simply to lose weight. Within six months she shed significant weight and her trainer encouraged her to enter a fitness competition in Guwahati, where she won silver. That experience sparked her interest in bodybuilding, leading her to study journals, watch videos and even pursue a certified personal training course to understand the sport better. By 2018, she was competing regularly, except during the COVID-19 lockdown, and steadily built her reputation as one of Nagaland’s most consistent athletes.
Despite her experience, Hashnu said she never assumed victory in Bhutan, given the high level of preparation among international competitors. When her name was announced as the gold medallist, she felt overwhelming joy and gratitude, recalling the sacrifices and struggles that had led to that moment. Unlike many athletes, she does not have a single role model, instead drawing inspiration from ordinary women balancing family, careers and fitness. She admires married women who maintain their physique despite responsibilities, believing that if they can do it, she can too.
Hashnu also spoke about the challenges women in Nagaland face in pursuing fitness. For unmarried women, irregular routines and poor sleeping habits often hinder training, while married women struggle with household responsibilities and childcare. She emphasised that once women commit to fitness, time management becomes easier, citing examples of her clients who balance work, family and exercise.
Financially, Hashnu has self-funded her entire bodybuilding career, covering expenses for diet, supplements, posing preparation, travel, accommodation, registration fees and federation deposits—costs that often run into lakhs of rupees. She has never approached the government for assistance, though she acknowledged that bodybuilding, not being an Olympic sport, receives limited support. She expressed gratitude to the Nagaland Bodybuilding and Fitness Association, which has provided platforms and occasional financial help.
Looking ahead, Hashnu believes Nagaland has great potential to produce international women bodybuilders, noting the growing number of women attending gyms and maintaining impressive physiques. However, she said only a few are willing to compete, largely due to hesitation over wearing two-piece competition bikinis, as bodybuilding remains relatively new in the state. She encouraged aspiring athletes to start with local competitions like Mr. Nagaland or Mr. Northeast before aiming for national and international stages.
Offering advice to young women, Hashnu stressed that bodybuilding is a long-term commitment requiring discipline rather than shortcuts. She explained that her own journey took nearly a decade, with the first two years devoted to learning proper training techniques. She emphasised that diet discipline is as important as physical training, warning that success cannot be achieved overnight.
Her victory in Bhutan, achieved through perseverance, sacrifice and resilience, stands as a testament to her determination and passion for bodybuilding. As she prepares to retire, Hashnu leaves behind a legacy that will inspire aspiring athletes in Nagaland and beyond, proving that with discipline and dedication, even the most ambitious dreams can be fulfilled.