FIJI Link pilot and powerlifter Bethnilza Kumar gears up to represent Fiji at the Oceania Regional Powerlifting Championships in Christchurch, New Zealand from November 17–21.
Kumar, who is one of only two female athletes representing Fiji, said wearing the national colours is a moment of pride.
“Representing Fiji at the Oceania Regional Powerlifting Championships as one of only 2 female athletes is a HUGE honor for me.
“To be able to wear Fiji’s colors at an international stage fills me with great pride,” Kumar said.
Balancing two demanding worlds aviation and powerlifting is not an easy task, but for Kumar, both share common ground.
“Powerlifting and aviation might seem worlds apart, but for me, they’re both about discipline and performance under pressure. As a pilot, part of my training is about problem solving, adapting to the situation and executing decisions with intent and this mindset easily translates into the gym.
“The real spark? My brother. He saw my potential and encouraged me to step under the bar. He continues to support me and push me to test my limits,” she added.
Kumar’s daily schedule is built around her flying roster, family time, and training.
“Balancing my training and work schedule is not about finding the time, it’s about making my training count. I build my training around my roster and my family time. Heavy days on days off, accessory days on morning shifts/ afternoon shifts. Following through with my nutrition on workdays and recovering properly after long workdays and gym days.
“My husband’s support, whether it be with helping with meal prep, or listening to my training updates or just being present, helps me breathe through the chaos in my mind. He keeps me steady and I’m blessed to have him in my corner.
“The key is consistency, not perfection. I don’t do all this to be average, either in the cockpit or in competition.”
Her biggest challenge is mental preparation.
“The biggest challenge in my powerlifting journey has been mental not physical.
“Attempting weights I’ve never touched before, learning new movements and standing in front of a crowd with all eyes on me, it has been intimidating.
“Also, the fear of failing my lifts publicly and not living up to expectations, lives freely in my head. I have been trying to re-write my mindset to see missed lifts as feedback and not failure and that progress isn’t always linear – sometimes it’s hidden in quiet wins and good decisions.
“I have learnt to acknowledge my fears and move through it with intent. JUST DO IT. My coach has been a positive influence of this, helping me rewire my mindset and believe in the work I’ve done.”
Heading into the Oceania meet, Kumar’s focus is clear.
“My goals at the ORPF is to compete in the U84 womens’ category with power and pride and to walk away knowing I gave everything I could on the platform. I am hoping for personal bests across all three lifts with special focus on meeting technical requirements.
“I expect to stay calm and perform under pressure. Adapt to the situation and leave the platform with no regrets. Whether I hit every lift or face setbacks, I’ll treat it as data for the next challenge.”
Kumar also hopes her journey will inspire other women to step forward and find their strength.
“To every woman who has ever thought about stepping into a gym or trying a sport: DO IT. Strength comes in many forms, and it is NOT gendered. You do not need permission to be strong.
“You may feel doubt or discomfort, and you may question your place, but getting through those days is what will shape you and to those young women out there who are still shaping their future, the world is big, and anything is possible. If you want to become a pilot, an engineer or anything, don’t let mindsets SHRINK your world.
“I’ve stood under heavy bars, faced difficult situations at work, I’ve felt fear, fatigue and imposter syndrome, but I’ve also felt pride and purpose. You belong in any room you are willing to work for.,” she concluded.
Kumar also acknowledged her coach, Carli Dillen.
