Gaya: Nidhi Dogra from Himachal Pradesh is ready to showcase her talent in the Yogasana competitions being held in Gaya, Bihar, under the Khelo India Youth Games 2025. She is the first and only Yogasana athlete from Himachal Pradesh representing the state in this national event. Having competed in the Khelo India Asmita League for the past two years, Nidhi has already set six world records based on her experience and now aims to win a series of medals at the Khelo India Games.
Nidhi Dogra trains at the Karm Yogshala Yogasana Sports Coaching Centre in Hamirpur and is the first Yogasana player from Himachal to win medals at the national level in school competitions. Her father, a Yogasana teacher at a government school, is also her coach and the inspiration behind her journey into the sport.
Speaking to SAI Media about why she chose Yogasana, Nidhi Dogra said, “My father is a Yogasana coach at a government school. Watching him teach his students sparked my interest. I have been training under him and credit all my success to his guidance. In January this year, I won a bronze medal in the Artistic Event at SGFI, which led to my selection for the Khelo India Youth Games 2025.”
To promote women’s participation in sports and provide competitive experience to female athletes across age groups, the Sports Authority of India (SAI), in collaboration with National Sports Federations (NSFs), organises the Khelo India Asmita Women’s Leagues/Tournaments. As part of the Women in Sports Mission, SAI offers full or partial financial support for technical operations and other incidental expenses.
The Asmita Yogasana League, launched by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in 2021, aims to empower women through the sport of Yogasana, thereby encouraging healthy families and communities. The league is not only meant to boost female participation in sports but also serves as a platform to discover emerging talent from every corner of the country. Last year, 163 Asmita Women’s Leagues were held across 12 sporting disciplines, with over 17,000 participants.
Speaking about the experience gained from the Asmita League, Nidhi said, “Playing in the Asmita League has given me valuable experience. I’ve been part of it for two years now. Last year, I missed out on a medal due to poor health. This is my first time at the Khelo India Youth Games. Thanks to the Khelo India scheme, the state government supports us with coaching and travel expenses.”
Now 16, Nidhi won a gold medal at the International Yoga Olympic Games in 2020 and was the Artistic Yoga Singles World Champion in 2021. She has also won three bronze medals in the National Yogasana Championships and has been recognised as Himachal Pradesh’s best yoga player.
Nidhi holds six world records in Yogasana, including:
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Pranav Asana: 47.25 minutes
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Eka Pada Vipareeta Kati Uthishta Asana: 50 minutes
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Handstand Asana: 1.36 minutes
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Most Yogasanas Performed: 118 poses in 3.24 minutes
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Chakrasana Hold: 27 minutes
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Scorpion Pose Archery: Shot 3 arrows in 47 seconds using her feet while in the Scorpion pose
Reflecting on her achievements, she said, “These are big accomplishments for me, and I see them as opportunities. They inspire me to work harder and aim higher.”
A resident of Chaudi Khiyad in Hamirpur district, Nidhi is a Class 12 student at Super Magnet Senior Secondary School, Hamirpur.
When asked about her next goal, Nidhi said, “Before coming here, I was practising at home for 4 to 5 hours a day. My goal is to win a medal for my state at the Khelo India Youth Games. So far, no one from Himachal has won a medal or represented the state in Yogasana. I feel it’s my destiny to reach this stage, and now winning a medal is my dream.”
For Medal Tally of KIYG 2025, click: https://youth.kheloindia.gov.in/medal-tally
