“Winning the gold medal in heptathlon at the Asian Athletics Championships in Gumi, South Korea in May 2025 was the proudest moment of my life. I scored a personal best of 5,941 points and became only the third Indian to ever win gold in this event at the continental level. Standing there with the tricolour, I felt like all the struggles and sacrifices were worth it.

But my journey didn’t begin on that podium. I was born into a humble family in Secunderabad. My father once ran a tea stall and today manages a small pan shop. Life was never easy, but my father’s hard work and my mother’s steady support taught me that no dream is too big if you have the courage to pursue it.

My journey in athletics began in 2018 at the Gachibowli Stadium. Back then, I knew little about the sport—just that I loved running. One of the coaches noticed my spark and introduced me to Coach Nagapuri Ramesh sir, who became my first mentor. Later, with the support of Coach A. N. Saji sir and Coach Nagaraju.sir, I grew not only as an athlete but also as a person. They have been there in every aspect of my journey, guiding me with patience and belief.

In 2021, I won a silver medal in the heptathlon at the National Inter-State Championships in Patiala. That was my first breakthrough. In 2022, at the World U20 Championships in Cali, Colombia, I finished seventh in the 100m hurdles but set a new under-20 national record of 13.58 seconds. That day I learnt that even in setbacks, there are victories. Later that year, I went on to win another silver in the 100m hurdles at the National Open in Bengaluru.

Then came the Asian Games in Hangzhou in 2023. The heptathlon tested every ounce of strength and willpower I had across seven events. When I finally secured the bronze medal with 5,712 points, it was a turning point. That medal wasn’t just for me—it was for my family, my coaches, and everyone who believed in me.

Two years later, the gold in South Korea made history for me and for India. But it also came with challenges. I injured my elbow during the javelin throw. Somehow, I pushed through and completed the competition.

The medal was mine, but the pain worsened after. Right now, I’m undergoing rehab. It’s not easy to sit out, especially after qualifying for the World Athletics Championships, but I know this is just a pause. I’ll come back stronger, and I’m determined to bring home more medals for India.

From a tea seller’s daughter in Telangana to an Asian champion, my journey has been built on faith, hard work, and the constant support of my coaches. If there’s one thing I’ve learnt, it’s that your background doesn’t decide your future. With belief and perseverance, anything is possible. And for me, this is only the beginning.”

— Nandini Agasara, Athlete