Salbeena Shalla is a trailblazer in Indian weightlifting a national Khelo India medalist from Jammu & Kashmir and the first-ever hijabi woman in the country to make her mark in this demanding sport. Since stepping into the weightlifting arena in 2020, she has won more than 25 gold medals, earned five "Strong Woman" titles, and holds multiple state records, making her one of the most accomplished athletes from the region.
Facing the unique challenge of being the only female weightlifter in Kashmir, Salbeena trained alongside male athletes, determined to rise despite social and cultural barriers. With unwavering grit and the guidance of her coach, Showket Narwari, she qualified for her first national event within just seven months of training a historic achievement that made her the first Kashmiri woman to do so.
Since then, she has represented Jammu & Kashmir in over five national championships and brought home the state’s first-ever silver medal in weightlifting. She currently trains at Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar and continues to prepare for upcoming national-level events.
Salbeena is not only a fierce competitor but also a certified professional. She holds coaching credentials from NIS and the International Weightlifting Federation (Level 1) as well as a certification in fitness coaching Her passion for learning has helped her elevate both her own performance and that of aspiring athletes around her
Her ultimate goal is to write the name of Kashmir into the history of Indian weightlifting. She dreams of inspiring the next generation especially girls from the valley—to break stereotypes, believe in their strength, and know that their dreams are valid
“I want every girl to see that strength is more than muscle it’s resilience, belief, and courage. I'm not just lifting weights; I'm lifting voices, dreams, and the hopes of an entire community