The University of Nottingham Malaysia (UNM) is proud to celebrate the achievement of Mahanil Asad who recently clinched victory at the Malaysian National Powerlifting Championship in the Junior Under 57kg category.
Organised by the Malaysian Association of Powerlifting (MAP) and sanctioned by the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF), this year’s championship was held at Kuash Theatre, TTDI, with the support of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Malaysia. The event drew over 150 athletes from across the nation including university students and working professionals, making it one of the most competitive showcases for strength sports in Malaysia.
Manahil’s success is especially inspiring as she stood out as one of the few female competitors in her division. She proudly represented both women and international students on the national stage, breaking stereotypes and pushing boundaries in a male-dominated sport.
Dedication to the Sport
Her road to victory was paved with dedication and sacrifice. Manahil underwent 4 to 5 months of intensive preparation, combining strength training, mobility work, and nutrition management. All this while juggling her degree in Business Economics and Management; on top of her role as the Sports Officer of the UNM Students’ Association.
“This journey taught me so much about discipline, resilience, and the power of consistency,” said Manahil. “I’m proud to represent not only my university but also women from diverse backgrounds who are challenging perceptions in strength sports.”
Looking ahead, Manahil hopes to qualify for international competitions and remains passionate about encouraging more women to explore strength-based sport.
UNM congratulates Manahil on this incredible accomplishment. She is a shining example of how passion, hard work, and perseverance can drive students to achieve greatness - both in sports and academics.
Posted on 25th June 2025