The Golden Baton: How Three Girls from Kishtwar Ran Past Barriers to Win North Zone Gold
KISHTWAR, J&K – In a story that embodies perseverance and the triumph of the human spirit, a trio of young athletes from Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir, captured the Gold Medal in the U-16 Relay at the prestigious 36th North Zone Athletics Championships 2025 in Prayagraj.
This victory at the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) event is more than just a medal; it’s a beacon of hope for every young person in a remote region.
From Local Practice Ground to National Glory
The journey for Radhika Gupta, Sandhya Sharma (from Plan Kuntwara), and Janvi Parihar was one defined by commitment. They moved past the challenges of limited facilities, fueled only by their talent, passion, and a burning desire to make their district proud. Their stunning performance in the North Zone Relay highlighted their exceptional teamwork and synchronized effort, outrunning competitors from larger states.
The Mentor's Role: Coach Rajesh Kumar
The silent architect of this success is Coach Rajesh Kumar. He recognized the raw potential in these young girls and meticulously channeled their energy into disciplined training. His constant motivation was the guiding force that helped them navigate the pressures of a national-level championship.
“Coach Rajesh made us believe that our location doesn’t limit our potential. He taught us to run not just with speed, but with heart,” one of the winning athletes remarked.
This Gold Medal achievement by Radhika, Sandhya, and Janvi is a shining example for the entire youth of India: that sheer hard work, commitment, and the right mentorship can turn the biggest dreams into reality.
Kishtwar celebrates these role models, urging them to aim even higher!