“I have spent most of my childhood in the hospital. My mother suffered from fits in her 7th month of pregnancy. The doctors had also warned my parents about the complications of the delivery. They cautioned them that it would either be the mother or the baby who was going to survive. Well, miracles happen and ours was one such. However, the complications were never-ending. My parents were told that I was a weak baby and that I wouldn’t live for long. But guess who fought through all these obstacles and is the first national gold medalist in karate from the state of Telangana.

I was always told by my guy friends that I had a strong punch. I think this kind of aggression in me is what pushed me to take a step towards karate. I learned that my neighbor was a karate coach and that he also trains children my age. That’s when I was hell-bent on learning karate. As a weak kid, low appetite was always an issue for me. But on the first day after my class, It was the first time my parents saw me eat properly. I started to balance my diet and work out from there. I transformed myself into a young girl who was ready to compete with the world in the ring.

During one of the monsoon showers, I met with an accident after which my parents decided to discontinue my karate classes. Even though this put a break on my fitness routine I started to hit the gym and work out regularly. I joined MMA three years ago and by the fourth league match, I was the first national gold medalist from Telangana.

There was no looking back after that. My parents have been a great pillar of strength and support for me. I remember when I had a match in Hyderabad, my entire family was there to cheer for me. That was the first time they saw me play the match live. It was heart-warming to see them witness my win.

Amongst all the laurels I have achieved, fighting through tough times was part of the journey. I remember the first time I had to leave my family and step out of Hyderabad all alone for a match. It was difficult for my parents to send their daughter all by herself. Coming from an orthodox community I have heard people say, that it is not right for my parents to send me for coaching or practice sessions where men are present. They believe that girls of this community should not step out to live life on their terms. But it feels good to see girls from my community explore and widen their horizons boldly and learning to fight for their rights.”