“As I stood on the podium in Hangzhou, China, accepting the bronze medal for the heptathlon at the 2022 Asian Games, I couldn’t help but reflect on the incredible journey that brought me here. My name is Nandini Agasara, and this is my story.
Born into a humble middle-class family, life was never easy, but my parents instilled in me the belief that with hard work, anything is possible. My father, a tea seller, worked tirelessly to provide for our family, and his dedication became a source of inspiration for me.
My journey into athletics began just four short years ago, in April 2018, when I started training at the Gachibowli stadium. It was during those early days of training that one of the assistant coaches spotted my talent and introduced me to Coach Nagapuri Ramesh sir. Under his expert guidance, my career trajectory began to rise astronomically.
In 2021, I secured a silver medal at the National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships in Patiala, giving me a glimpse of the success that awaited on the international stage. The following year, I continued to push myself to new heights, winning a silver medal in the 100m hurdles at the National Open Athletics Championships in Bengaluru in October. But it was in August at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Cali, Colombia, where I faced my first major international challenge. Despite finishing seventh in the 100m hurdles, I set a new Under-20 national record, proving that even in defeat, there is victory to be found.
Finally, in September 2022, came the Hangzhou Asian Games. It was here that I would face my toughest challenge yet – the heptathlon. Event after event, I pushed myself to the limit, determined to give it my all. And on September 30th, in the midst of the competition, I achieved something extraordinary – a personal best in the 200m, setting the stage for my eventual bronze medal win.
Standing on that podium, surrounded by the cheers of the crowd and the glow of the medal around my neck, I knew that all the hard work, all the sacrifices, had been worth it.
My journey, from a tea seller’s daughter in Telangana to an Asian Games medalist, is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and a never-give-up attitude. And as I look ahead to the future, I know that this is only the beginning of what I can achieve.”
- Nandini Agasara, Athelete