“I’m Naisha Bajaj, and I’m a professional kickboxer from Hyderabad. My journey into martial arts began when I was just four years old. My mother enrolled me in Taekwondo classes to build confidence. By the time I turned seven, I’d found my calling in kickboxing—and I haven’t looked back since.

Kickboxing started as a sport, but soon became a part of who I am. The discipline, the pain, the victories, the setbacks—all of it shaped me. My parents supported me from day one. My father, a software engineer, ensured I had what I needed. But it’s my mother who’s been there through every bruise and breakthrough. She’s the one who takes me to practice, waits for hours, pays for training, travel, and gear. I owe a lot to her faith in me.

I am now in my first year of law college and I’m focused on preparing for the next level—both in sports and life. Under the guidance of Coach Suresh Patil, I train six days a week. Balancing academics with intense full-contact training isn’t easy, but kickboxing has taught me how to stay centred.

Over the years, I’ve won gold medals at both national and international events. But nothing came easy. In October 2024, I had a bad fall and fractured my left hand. I was devastated! I couldn’t block punches or strikes on that side. But I kept showing up at training, modifying movements, staying in the game mentally. Just three months later, on January 27, I won gold at the Telangana State Kickboxing Championship.

And the very next week, I was in New Delhi, competing at the 4th India Open International Kickboxing Tournament. It was intense—over 1000 athletes from 20+ countries like Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Iran, Korea, and Great Britain participated. The event was broadcast on Doordarshan Sports. I fought in the Senior Female Full Contact category and I won gold.

Fast forward to July 2025—I represented Telangana at the Seniors & Masters National Kickboxing Championship in Raipur. Our state sent 60 athletes. Only one gold medal came home and although I didn’t win that, I bagged silver. I lost to a fighter from Punjab Police who had 18 years of experience. That bout taught me more than any win could.

But beyond personal milestones, there’s a larger fight we’re all still part of.

In Telangana, kickboxing is not officially recognised. There’s no state-level funding, no dedicated training academies, no physiotherapists or nutritionists, no sponsorships for gear or travel. We train in basic gyms, often using borrowed equipment. My mother still covers most of the costs, like many other parents in our circle.

The Telangana Kickboxing Association has submitted all necessary paperwork to the Sports Authority for official recognition—but things are moving slowly. Meanwhile, athletes like me keep competing, winning medals for the state and country, but with no backing.

So yes, I want to keep winning medals. But I also want to push for something bigger—a system that supports its fighters. I want the next girl who chooses kickboxing to have access to a recognised academy, a proper ring, and gear that doesn’t tear after two fights.

Because we don’t just fight in the ring. We fight for equal opportunity, fair recognition, and the chance to represent with dignity.”

— Naisha Bajaj, Kickboxer from Hyderabad