Thirteen-year-old Niral Wadekar from Pune emerged as one of India’s brightest stars at the inaugural World Yogasana Championship 2026, winning two gold medals in Ahmedabad.

Representing India at the championship held from June 4 to 8, Niral secured top honours in the Sub-Junior Individual Hand Stand and Sub-Junior Individual Traditional Group categories, achieving the goals she had set before the competition.

The young athlete entered the tournament hoping to deliver her best performance, avoid mistakes and compete for gold. She exceeded those expectations by clinching two world titles.

“Every athlete participating wants to win, and I am no different. My expectation was to give my best performance and fight for a gold medal, which I earned by winning not just one, but two gold medals. I am very happy that I have made myself, my family and my country proud,” Niral said after her triumph.

Reflecting on the challenge of competing at the highest level, she said performing on the world stage brings a different kind of pressure.

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“When we practice, there is no pressure, and everything feels normal. But when we step onto the competition stage, especially at a world championship, the pressure is different. There are many people watching, and sometimes it can make you nervous, but that is also what makes competing exciting,” she said.

Beyond her success in Yogasana, Niral harbours ambitions outside sport. She revealed that her long-term dream is to become a fighter pilot while continuing to represent India in Yogasana.

“My dream is to become a fighter pilot one day. At the same time, I want to continue my journey in Yogasana and achieve more for India. Both are very important dreams for me,” she said.

Despite her age, Niral viewed the championship as an opportunity to gain valuable experience and learn from fellow competitors.

“This is a big experience for me. I want to learn from other athletes, improve myself, and enjoy every moment of representing India,” she added.

Her double-gold performance at the inaugural championship has marked her out as a promising young talent and provided another reason for India to celebrate at the global Yogasana event.