Inspiring Journeys of Two Young Girls from Rajasthan: Olympic Dreams and Yoga Mission
Pursuing Olympic Glory
Two young girls from rural Rajasthan are showcasing how determination, discipline, and family support can transform ambitious dreams into reality. Pooja Bishnoi, an athlete from Guda Bishnoiyan village near Jodhpur, began her running journey at a young age. Her maternal uncle, Sarwan Budiya, recognized her talent and took on the role of her coach, guiding her athletic development. Pooja aspires to represent India at the Olympics and secure a gold medal. "My goal is to win an Olympic gold for India. I train for about eight hours daily and give my all to my practice. I trust that our hard work will yield results. My coach focuses on every detail of my training and inspires me to excel," Pooja shared. Her achievements include completing a three-kilometre race in just 12 minutes and 50 seconds at the age of eight. At the 2024 Under-19 All India IPSC Athletics Meet, she clinched gold in the 800-metre, 1,500-metre, and 3,000-metre events, along with the four-kilometre race. The Virat Kohli Foundation has also supported her journey. For Budiya, witnessing Pooja's progress is a culmination of years of hard work and dedication. "Seeing her receive an award alongside Virat Kohli and Amitabh Bachchan brought tears to my eyes. This journey began in a humble family and is now becoming a reality. Athletics demands eight to nine years of relentless effort and preparation," he reflected.
A Young Yoga Instructor's Vision
While Pooja aims for athletic excellence, her 12-year-old counterpart, Pariniti Bishnoi from Bhagsani village, has embraced yoga, becoming a young instructor and promoting a healthier lifestyle. Pariniti started her yoga journey with her father, Ramchandra Bishnoi, during the COVID-19 lockdown. What began as a personal health initiative evolved into a mission to share yoga with others. At just seven, she began hosting free yoga camps and has since gained a significant social media following through her yoga practice videos. Pariniti claims to have taught over six lakh individuals through her camps. "Initially, my goal was to practice yoga for my health. But as I delved deeper, I realized I could help others across India achieve better health through yoga. This inspired me to start organizing camps at seven. Now, at 12, I've taught yoga to more than six lakh people," she explained. Her efforts have garnered recognition from notable figures, including yoga guru Baba Ramdev. Ramchandra Bishnoi emphasized the family's ambition to spread yoga beyond their village to a global audience. "We believe in the saying: 'Practice yoga and stay healthy.' Our family's goal is to promote yoga worldwide through Pariniti, helping people lead healthier lives," he stated.
Common Values of Effort and Support
Despite their different paths, Pooja and Pariniti share a belief in the importance of consistent effort and a robust support system. One is striving for Olympic representation, while the other promotes yoga from a young age. Their stories illustrate how youth from rural backgrounds can pursue ambitious aspirations and make a significant impact, proving that talent and ambition are not confined by age or location.