Neeta Kumari's Inspiring Journey to Bronze at Khelo India University Games 2025
Neeta Kumari's Triumph Against Adversity
Jaipur, Dec 5: Neeta Kumari, a student from Kurukshetra University, might have faced an early marriage had it not been for the encouragement from her mother and sisters to pursue her passion for sports.
As the second eldest in a family of five sisters and one brother, all of whom have represented Rajasthan in various sports, Neeta's path to winning a bronze medal in heptathlon at the Khelo India University Games 2025 has been marked by both challenges and resilience.
Tragedy struck in 2013 when her father, Teja Ram, a government contractor in Mumbai, died from an electric shock in their hometown of Dhamseen, located in Rajasthan’s Jalore district. At that time, her mother, Parwati Devi, was just 36 and seven months pregnant. The family had to leave Mumbai and start anew in their village due to financial instability.
Years later, when Neeta’s younger sister Gomti was married at 18, it appeared that Neeta might follow suit. However, recognizing Neeta's growing passion for athletics, her mother permitted her to continue pursuing sports, a decision that has started to yield results.
On Thursday, Neeta made a remarkable comeback, securing a bronze medal at the Khelo India University Games 2025, despite facing multiple injuries over the past year. This medal marks her first achievement at a national level event, and she is eager to build on this success.
Neeta began her journey in athletics in 2019 but only committed to serious training after the Covid-19 lockdown in 2022. Initially participating in high jump and sprinting, her coach later identified her potential for heptathlon, a demanding two-day event that includes hurdles, high jump, shot put, 200m, long jump, javelin, and 800m.
This was Neeta's debut at the Khelo India University Games, having missed the previous edition due to a lower back injury. Despite competing this year with a leg injury, she was determined to participate since the event was held close to her home.
Currently training at Karnal Stadium, Neeta aimed for a personal best of 4862 points, which would have secured her a gold medal, as KIIT’s Isha Chander Prakash topped the event with 4857 points, setting a new meet record. Magudeeshwari S from Manonmaniam University took home the silver with 4648 points.
"I was striving for my personal best here, but the leg injury hindered my performance. If I had achieved that, I could have won gold. Nevertheless, this bronze is my first national medal and will motivate me further," Neeta shared with SAI Media.
She attributes her success to her support system, particularly her mother and coaches. "Wherever I am today is due to my mother's sacrifices. There was a time when we almost had to abandon our studies due to financial struggles after losing our father. My mother not only kept the family together but also encouraged me to pursue sports.
"My coaches have also been incredibly supportive through my highs and lows," she added.
For Neeta, who once feared she might have to abandon her dreams, the bronze medal at KIUG 2025 feels like a golden achievement.