For a five-year-old, she’s lifting more than her own weight—she is already defying expectations!
Photo: Daani Agnihotri
At a glance, Filipino-Indian Daani Agnihotri seems like any other kid—she is bubbly, curious, and full of energy. However, she is definitely far beyond her years, showcasing incredible strength and determination that sets her apart from kids her age, as does her passion for powerlifting.
Born on April 29, 2019, in Shanghai, China, she moved with her family to the Philippines when she was just nine months old. After spending her early years in Abra, they relocated to Manila in 2023.
Then, her proud father, Manish Agnihotri, recalled how her daughter discovered her love and passion for the sport.
“When she was only three years old, we took her [to] a nearby gym just to sit down and watch us since we [her parents] are both in [the] gym,” Manish said, sharing how he and his wife are both fitness enthusiasts.
However, what piqued their interest was seeing how their inquisitive daughter effortlessly lifted weights in the gym, making them realize not just her potential but also her genuine love for strength training and powerlifting.
Moreover, her father also shared that his daughter, a longtime fan of Filipina Olympic weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, looks up to her as a role model, which further motivates her to work hard: “She always watches her weightlifting videos and she inspires her a lot.”
Since then, she has been making history, one lift at a time.
Fast forward to 2025, she won a silver medal in her first national competition, the “2025 National Interschool & Novice Powerlifting Cup,” held at the Il Centro Event Hall, Sta. Lucia Mall, in January. She competed in the “Under 31” category, where she was the youngest participant.
Then, she secured another silver medal at the “SBD National” at SM North EDSA in February 2025.
Daani Agnihotri wins her second silver medal at the “SBD National”
Indeed, her reaction to this incredible achievement was nothing short of heartwarming: “She was so happy and jumping around with joy.”
The secret to success
While it is undeniable that Daani excels in powerlifting, it is her parents’ genuine love and support that makes her talent shine even brighter and achieve success early on in life.
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As proud parents, watching their daughter progress every single day and reap the fruits of her hard work through discipline and determination fills them with pride: “When Daani achieves something significant, we typically react with immense pride, joy, and a sense of accomplishment.”
Beyond the sport, they ensure that she grows into a well-rounded child who is full of love and has a spark for life. They also emphasize the importance of doing well in school while enjoying time with kids her age.
“We make sure Daani has a balance between powerlifting, school, and her friends. We are aware that champions build discipline and [a] healthy family atmosphere that supports their kids,” he said. He also shared that after his daughter finishes school in the morning, she has ample time to do her homework, rest, and spend time with her friends before her rigorous powerlifting training in the evening.
He added: “We are balancing [her needs] very well and we [make] sure to continue supporting her.”
Although success comes from a mix of passion and unwavering support from those around you, it is her strong mindset that makes her stand out from the rest.
“Daani loves challenges. At a very young age, Daani is not a quitter—she is a fighter. She is motivated by challenges and takes on difficult tasks that push her out of her comfort zone. She loves to learn new skills and when she overcomes challenges, she is very happy to see the result.”
What’s next for the rising star?
Following her first two silver medals, Daani is more than prepared to take on more challenges.
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Having back-to-back competitions for the rest of the year, her father has already expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support they are receiving throughout their daughter’s powerlifting journey.
“She is very excited about it and we already have started preparing for that,” he shared.
While Daani’s future looks bright and promising, Manish upholds this principle for parents whose children aspire to pursue sports or follow their passions in life.
“Support your child. Expose your kids to everything. Encourage them to try different sports and activities often. Help them discover what they are passionate about and always believe in them.”
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