This young Hyderabadi athlete is all set to conquer the world.
Nishka Agarwal, a 16-year-old gymnast and student at The Gaudium School, was first introduced to the
sport at seven years. As a child, she did not think much of it other than as a fun/ fitness activity that she
got to explore at summer camps (at LB Stadium). However, as she neared the age of 12, and showed
immense discipline and promise, with guidance from acclaimed gymnast Aruna Reddy and her now
coach Manoj Rana, she began to consider taking up gymnastics professionally.
Born to Praveen and Aditi Agarwal, the Hyderabad athlete has won multiple gold medals within eight
years. She has been awarded at district, state, national, and international levels in the junior category
for artistic gymnastics, which includes four events namely table vault, balancing beam, uneven bar, and
floor exercise.
THE ROUTINE
Nishka trains for nearly five to six hours a day. Her training involves hyper- stretching exercises divided
into two sessions, one in the morning and the other in the evening. Regarding food intake, Nishka does
not follow a strict diet but does make sure to avoid “junk food” and stick to proteins.
WINS SO FAR
Some of her recent gold medal hauls include ones for the Junior National Championship held at Odisha;
the Khelo India Youth Games, in Chennai; and the International Pharaohs Cup for Artistic Gymnastics
held in Cairo, Egypt. Of her one-of-a-kind experience in Cairo last year, the young prodigy who just
transitioned into the senior category shares, “It felt like a new step for me, taking part internationally for
the first time.”
STAYING GROUNDED
Being thrust upon the world stage has not just been a whirlwind of an experience for Nishka, but also for
her parents who have been her supportive guardian angels doing everything they can to make sure their
daughter lives out her dream. When asked how they help keep Nishka stay grounded, her mother Aditi
shares, “Nishka has always been a very grounded child. Even when it came to studies, she was
interested in it personally. The way she has managed it all has been beautiful to see.”
LINED-UP NEXT…
Moving forward, Nishka, who just finished her tenth board examination, will be seen continuing her
schooling while gearing up for the Asian championship that will be held in May. After which she will be
tirelessly preparing for the Commonwealth Games and the Olympics.
