Nishika Aggrawal shines with double Gold at Khelo India Youth Games, sets sights on Asian Championship

For gymnast Nishika Aggrawal, it has been a truly memorable second appearance in the Khelo India Youth Games, winning two gold and two bronze to serve yet another reminder that she is slowly but surely ensuring that the critical transition phase from juniors to seniors is well and truly on course

Hyderabad: For gymnast Nishika Aggrawal, it has been a truly memorable second appearance in the Khelo India Youth Games, winning two gold and two bronze to serve yet another reminder that she is slowly but surely ensuring that the critical transition phase from juniors to seniors is well and truly on course. And, now the focus shifts to the Asian Championship next month in Korea.

The 16-year-old Nishika from Hyderabad is in a way fortunate to have the mentorship of coach Manoj Rana since she was 12, who incidentally was also the coach of Budda Aruna Reddy from the City, the first woman from India to win a World Cup bronze in Brisbane a few years ago.

Like for all those gifted athletes, Nishika’s strengths, according to her coach, have been her indefatigable spirit and the willingness to put in that extra effort in training. She had a terrific debut in the 2025 National Games, winning gold in the table vault and a bronze in the all-round championship of gymnastics.

“The intense desire to keep improving is what separates her from the rest of the crowd. Nishka’s strength is her determination coupled with a sharp mind, physical strength,” says a delighted Rana in chat with ‘Telangana Today’.

Nishika, a 12th Standard student of Gaudium School in the City, was first spotted at the summer camp at Lal Bahadur Stadium and initially took to the sport for fun only to soon make others feel envy about her skills.

Significantly, Manoj Rana ensured that from the time Nishika started winning medals at a very young age she was looking only one way – forward.

“The focus now shifts to the Asian Championship in Korea later this year, which also will be first for Nishika, and we will put in the desired efforts to make a mark there,” insists Manoj.

Interestingly, Nishika says that Delhi is like her ‘home’ given the number of times she trained in the national camps at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium noting that the gym there is very special.

“The facilities, lighting, music system and energy of the place bring out the best in me. Playing here feels so good,” she informed the media.

Not surprisingly, for Nishika, the inspiration comes from City-mate Aruna Reddy and says she learnt a lot from the latter’s journey, dotted with injuries and wonderful comebacks.