Anshavi Badigar, affectionately known as Anu, completed her early education in Candolim and Verem, North Goa. She then pursued higher studies at Dhempe College of Arts & Science in Panaji, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science.
Discovering Her Athletic Potential
From a young age, Anu demonstrated a natural affinity for athletics—a passion that laid the groundwork for her extraordinary journey. Her dedication and perseverance ultimately culminated in winning the prestigious Miss Universe title in bodybuilding, a testament to her relentless spirit and remarkable transformation.
The Spark That Ignited a Dream
Anu’s athletic journey began in the 8th grade, a pivotal moment she attributes to her physical education teacher.
“I wasn’t aware of my potential in those early years,” she recalls. “It was my PE teacher who first noticed my talent and encouraged me to participate in sports.”
Her competitive career took off with impressive results—securing a silver medal in the 5km race and a gold medal in the 10 km event at the Goa Marathon in 2012. These victories ignited a deep passion for sports.
Building a Foundation in Athletics
Throughout her school years, Anu excelled in various disciplines, including javelin throw and high jump at the state level.
“I continued competing until 12th grade,” she shares, adding that she also participated in sports such as Tug of War, Throw Ball, and other track and field events.
However, her athletic focus took a backseat when she joined the National Cadet Corps (NCC) during secondary school, a shift that temporarily distanced her from active competition.
Rediscovering Her Drive During Lockdown
It wasn’t until the COVID-19 lockdown that Anu reconnected with her competitive edge.
“That’s when I started working out in the gym and focusing on building my strength,” she says. The gym became her new arena, and this phase marked the beginning of a transformative journey.
From Track to Strength Training
When asked about the shift from athletics to gym workouts, Anu explained how the lockdown reshaped her outlook.
“With sports activities paused, I realized the importance of staying fit. That’s when I turned to strength training.”
Her athletic background gave her an edge. “I needed to improve my power and endurance, and the gym was the perfect place for that,” she explains. Gradually, she saw dramatic improvements in her physique and began lifting heavier weights.
Rising in Powerlifting
Her progress drew attention. Friends and her gym instructor encouraged her to pursue powerlifting.
“I was deadlifting over 100 kg,” she says. Their support pushed her to compete in the Decathlon in 2021. At just 50 kg body weight, she won gold in the deadlift in a single attempt—an incredible milestone.
Meeting a Mentor
Anu’s strength and determination didn’t go unnoticed. At a National Beach Tug of War event, she met Nikhil Chodankar, a seasoned powerlifting coach who was impressed by her potential.
“He saw my lifts and was amazed,” she recalls. “I committed to powerlifting full-time under his mentorship.”
Within a month of training with Chodankar, she competed in a state-level powerlifting competition, winning gold and earning the title of Strongest Woman on her first try.
“That was a defining moment,” she says. “I’ve remained undefeated in women’s powerlifting since then.”
A New Challenge: Bodybuilding
Even as her powerlifting career soared, a new challenge emerged—bodybuilding. It was Deepa Verma, a powerlifting champion and mentor, who first introduced the idea.
“I met Deepa madam at a powerlifting event. She encouraged me to try bodybuilding,” Anu shares.
With no prior experience in posing, diet, or stage presentation, Anu trusted Deepa’s guidance.
“She took care of everything—my diet, my posing, everything,” Anu says gratefully.
Climbing the Ranks
Under Deepa’s mentorship, Anu earned silver medals in three state-level bodybuilding events before advancing to the national level. Her determination paid off when she represented India on the international stage—training rigorously for three months—and won the Miss Universe title in bodybuilding.
Reaching the Pinnacle
“Before Miss Universe, I secured three state-level and one national-level titles,” she says, crediting Deepa Verma for being instrumental in her rise. Their partnership spanned nearly a year, during which Anu refined her physique and technique to perfection.
Looking Ahead
Today, Anu balances her bodybuilding journey with her profession as a gym trainer at ProFitness in Calangute. But her aspirations go beyond the gym.
“I’m preparing to apply for police recruitment in Goa,” she says. Yet, she remains open to other paths.
“If I don’t make it into the police force, I’ll open my gym to train aspiring bodybuilders—especially women.”
Her parents support her goal of joining the police, but Anu is focused on growing, no matter the path.
“My parents want me to be in the police, but I’m exploring every opportunity to grow,” she says.
