Ritu Mondal, a 20-year-old from a humble background in Hooghly district, West Bengal, has made headlines by clinching two gold medals at the inaugural World Yogasana Championships held in Ahmedabad. This accomplishment not only brings her personal pride but also fulfills a shared dream with her family to represent India on prestigious global platforms and aspire for an Olympic medal.

The Role of Family Support

Ritu attributes her success to years of dedication, hard work, and the unwavering support of her family. Her parents and older brother traveled to Ahmedabad to witness her compete, and they were filled with joy as she celebrated her victories wrapped in the Indian flag.

"My father is a mason, and despite our financial struggles, my family has always encouraged my aspirations," Ritu shared. "I dedicated years to training in Yogasana while my peers pursued different paths. There were hurdles, but my belief in my goal kept me going," she added.

Guidance from Her Brother

Ritu's elder brother, Gautam, has been a pivotal figure in her journey. Once a Yogasana athlete competing at the state level, he had to step back due to financial constraints. Now, having completed a physiotherapy course, he dedicates his time to mentoring Ritu in her pursuit of success.

Ritu expressed, "My brother's passion for Yogasana is still strong, and he dreams of seeing me excel in this sport. He recognizes my potential and continually motivates me to improve."

Unlike many who celebrate success without critique, Ritu appreciates her brother's approach. "He never tells me I'm the best; instead, he encourages me to keep striving for better. After a good performance, he reminds me that there's always room for growth," she said with a smile.

Rising to the Challenge

Before her international success, Ritu had already made a name for herself in national competitions, securing bronze medals at the Khelo India Youth Games in Chennai and the Khelo India University Games in Assam. These achievements bolstered her confidence to compete on a global stage.

In Ahmedabad, she showcased her skills against top Yogasana athletes worldwide, demonstrating remarkable balance, flexibility, strength, and precision. Her outstanding performances earned her two gold medals, marking her as the first Indian to achieve this feat at the World Yogasana Championships.

Looking Ahead: Olympic Aspirations

Despite her recent triumphs, Ritu views her journey as just beginning. "I aim to continue representing India in international events," she stated. "My ultimate dream is to see Yogasana included in the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and eventually the Olympics. Winning an Olympic medal for India is my greatest ambition," she added.

Ritu also acknowledges the crucial support from Galgotias University, which provides her with a monthly scholarship of Rs 13,000, easing her financial burdens and allowing her to concentrate on her training.

"Financial assistance is vital for athletes," she noted. "This scholarship enables me to pursue my sport without putting additional pressure on my family, giving me the confidence to focus on my future."

She expressed deep gratitude towards her parents, who have been her steadfast supporters throughout her journey. "Everything I have achieved is due to their sacrifices and unwavering faith in me," she concluded.