“Winning the gold medal in the heptathlon at the Asian Athletics Championships in Gumi, South Korea, in May 2025 was the proudest moment of my life.
As a heptathlete representing India, I scored a personal best of 5,941 points and became only the third Indian to win gold in this event at the continental level. Standing on the podium with the tricolour rising behind me, I felt that every early morning, every struggle, and every sacrifice had finally found its meaning.
I grew up in Secunderabad, Telangana, in a humble family. My father once ran a tea stall and now manages a small pan shop, and my mother has always been my strongest support. Watching them work tirelessly taught me that hard work and belief can take you further than you imagine.
My journey in athletics began in 2018 at Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad. Back then, I didn’t know much about the sport—I simply loved running. One of the coaches noticed my spark and introduced me to Coach Nagapuri Ramesh sir, who became my first mentor and guided me into the heptathlon. Later, Coach A. N. Saji sir and Coach Nagaraju sir also played a crucial role in shaping my journey, standing by me through every challenge and milestone.
My first breakthrough came in 2021, when I won silver in the heptathlon at the National Inter-State Championships in Patiala. In 2022, at the World U20 Championships in Cali, Colombia, I finished seventh in the 100m hurdles final and set a new under-20 national record of 13.34 seconds (improving my own previous record of 13.58 in the heats). Later that year, I won another silver in the 100m hurdles at the National Open Championships in Bengaluru.
A defining moment came at the Asian Games in Hangzhou in 2023, where I won bronze in the heptathlon with 5,712 points.
Going into the Asian Athletics Championships in 2025, I was dealing with an elbow injury and honestly didn’t expect to win gold. During the javelin throw, the pain worsened, but I pushed through all seven events. In the end, I finished with a personal best and the gold medal, becoming the Asian champion.
I’m deeply grateful to the Athletics Federation of India, SAI TOPS, the Sports Authority of Telangana, social welfare institutions (TGSWREIS), my coaches, my parents, relatives, and friends for their constant support.
Right now, my focus is on preparing for the Asian Games 2026, and I’m determined to come back stronger and give my best to win another gold for India.
Because for me, this journey is only getting started.”
— Nandini Agasara