Pune's golden girl Niral Wadekar wins two titles at World Yogasana Championship 2026
Amdavad, June 8
For most 13-year-olds, competing on the world stage would be an intimidating prospect. For India's Niral Wadekar, it is an opportunity to test herself against the best and pursue a dream that stretches far beyond the competition arena.
Niral has phenomenally achieved her dream by winning 2 Gold Medals at the inaugural World Yogasana Championship 2026. She clinched the top spot on the podium in both the Sub-Junior Individual Hand Stand and the Sub-Junior Individual Traditional Group categories, according to a press release.
Representing India at the inaugural World Yogasana Championship in Ahmedabad from June 4th to 8th, the young athlete entered the tournament with clear goals: to deliver her best performance, avoid mistakes, and stand atop the podium with a gold medal around her neck, which she achieved the milestone by winning not just one, but 2 Gold Medals in the 1st World Yogasana Championship 2026.
After bagging 2 gold medals, Niral expressed her feelings, "Every athlete participating wants to win, and I am no different. My expectation was to give my best performance and fight for a gold medal, which I earned by winning not just one, but two gold medals. I am very happy that I have made myself, my family and my country proud."
"When we practice, there is no pressure, and everything feels normal. But when we step onto the competition stage, especially at a world championship, the pressure is different. There are many people watching, and sometimes it can make you nervous, but that is also what makes competing exciting," she said.
Away from Yogasana, Niral has another ambition that reaches even higher. "My dream is to become a fighter pilot one day. At the same time, I want to continue my journey in Yogasana and achieve more for India. Both are very important dreams for me," she said.
Despite her young age, Niral views the championship as an opportunity to learn and grow as an athlete. "This is a big experience for me. I want to learn from other athletes, improve myself, and enjoy every moment of representing India," she added.
As athletes from across the globe gather in Ahmedabad for the historic championship, Niral took to the mat carrying the hopes of a young competitor determined to make her mark while proving that age is no barrier to dreaming big.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As a yoga practitioner in Australia, I'm in awe of Niral's achievement. The discipline required at just 13 to win two world titles is remarkable. India's yoga tradition combined with modern athletic training is producing incredible results. Congratulations to this young champion! 🙏
What a proud moment for Pune and for India! 🇮🇳 But I wish the government and media would give similar coverage to other young athletes beyond cricket. There are so many talented kids like Niral in traditional sports who deserve recognition. Hope this inspires more investment in yoga and indigenous sports infrastructure. 🙏
Incredible story! I'm a yoga teacher in New York and this is exactly what we need to celebrate - the next generation taking yoga to new heights. The mental strength she shows in handling competition pressure is something most adults struggle with. India should be very proud of this young star ✨
Two gold medals at the first World Yogasana Championship - and she wants to be a fighter pilot too? This kid has more ambition than most adults! 🇮🇳 But honestly, can we talk about how underfunded yoga sports are in India? Imagine what Niral could achieve with proper government support and sponsorship. She deserves better facilities and coaching.
What an amazing achievement! I teach yoga in Canada and it's wonderful to see India leading the way in Yogasana competitions. Niral's comment about pressure making competition exciting really resonated with me. At 13, she already understands what it takes to be a champion. Wishing her the best in becoming a fighter pilot too! 🌟
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