Her power, her story, March 17 -- Alifiya Vagh lifts weights, runs business and nurtures family with grace.

By Sujata Rajpal

At an age when most women begin to scale back their fitness ambitions (if they had any to begin with), Alifiya Vagh chose to start hers. At 40, she stepped into the world of powerlifting. Most mornings, before the city has fully woken up, Alifiya is already at the gym, lifting weights.

Later in the day, she shifts gears to run her family's furniture business, discussing designs with customers at their store. Evenings are for the family or unwinding through paper crafts.

Athlete, entrepreneur and mother of twin teenage girls, Alifiya moves between these roles with determination and elan.

The seeds of her strengt...