When 17-year-old Nishika Aggarwal stepped onto the gymnastics floor at the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) 2025, she carried more than the weight of competition — she was challenging generations of cultural tradition. Hailing from a conservative Aggarwal family in Hyderabad, where girls are rarely encouraged to pursue competitive sports, Nishika’s journey to the podium has been nothing short of revolutionary.
At the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi, the young gymnast made a bold statement with her performance, clinching four medals — two golds in All-Around and Vaulting Table, and two bronzes in Uneven Bars and Balancing Beam — showcasing both talent and tenacity.
“In our culture, sports were never considered a path for girls,” Nishika told SAI Media. “But my parents believed in me and never held me back. Without their support, I wouldn’t be here.”
A student of Gaudium School, Nishika first discovered gymnastics at age seven during a summer camp at LB Stadium in Hyderabad. What began as a playful activity soon turned serious as she began formal training under coach Manoj Rana at Gaudium Sportopia, a SAI-accredited high-performance center.
“Initially, I just loved being active. But once I started winning medals, I knew this was more than a hobby. Under Manoj Sir’s guidance, I’ve grown into a professional,” she said.
Her leap into the senior category last year came with its own doubts and challenges. Competing among more experienced athletes initially felt overwhelming. But through sheer hard work and dedication, Nishika adapted quickly, finding her rhythm in senior nationals — and eventually regaining her confidence in style at KIYG 2025.
Nishika speaks fondly of the Indira Gandhi Stadium, calling it her “home away from home.”
“I’ve trained here so many times. The atmosphere — the lighting, music, energy — it lifts me. Though I represent Telangana, Delhi feels like home when I perform here,” she shared with a smile.
Now, her sights are firmly set on the Asian Championships in June, where she will make her international debut. Drawing inspiration from fellow Hyderabadi and India’s first world gymnastics medalist Aruna Reddy, Nishika sees perseverance as her guiding philosophy.
“Aruna Didi has battled injuries and setbacks but keeps pushing forward. That’s inspired me. My mantra is simple: Enjoy what you do, and never give up.”
In Nishika’s success story, we see more than just a medal tally — we witness the rise of a new narrative. A young girl defying expectations, supported by family, driven by passion, and rewriting what’s possible for girls in traditional Indian households.
As she continues her journey, Nishika Aggarwal isn’t just chasing medals — she’s setting an example for an entire generation.
