Inspiring Journeys of Two Young Girls from Rajasthan: Athletics and Yoga
Determination and Dreams in Rural Rajasthan
In Jodhpur, Rajasthan, two remarkable young girls are showcasing how perseverance, discipline, and family backing can transform ambitious dreams into significant accomplishments. Pooja Bishnoi, an aspiring athlete from Guda Bishnoiyan village, started her running journey early in life. Her maternal uncle, Sarwan Budiya, recognized her potential and took on the role of her coach, nurturing her athletic skills. Pooja is now focused on her goal of representing India at the Olympics and clinching a gold medal.
Pooja expressed, "My aspiration is to win an Olympic gold medal for India. I dedicate around eight hours daily to training, fully committed to my goals. I trust that our hard work will yield results. My coach meticulously oversees my training and continually inspires me to enhance my performance."
Her achievements have garnered attention at a young age. At just eight, she completed a three-kilometre race in 12 minutes and 50 seconds. During the 2024 Under-19 All India IPSC Athletics Meet, she secured gold medals 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 growth as both her uncle and coach symbolizes years of dedication and sacrifice. "When Pooja received an award in the presence of Virat Kohli and Amitabh Bachchan, I was overwhelmed with emotion. The journey from an ordinary family in a village to this moment has been incredible. Athletics demands eight to nine years of relentless effort and preparation," he shared.
While Pooja excels in athletics, her 12-year-old counterpart, Pariniti Bishnoi from Bhagsani village, has embraced yoga, becoming a young instructor and motivating others to lead healthier lives. Pariniti began 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 started organizing free yoga camps and has since gained a significant social media following through her yoga practice videos. Pariniti proudly stated, "Initially, my goal was to practice yoga for my health. However, as my passion grew, I realized I could help others across India achieve better health through yoga. Today, I have taught over six lakh people through these camps."
Her efforts have been recognized by notable figures, including yoga guru Baba Ramdev. Her family has been instrumental in supporting her mission to promote yoga.
Ramchandra Bishnoi remarked, "Our family aims to spread yoga beyond our village and share its benefits globally. We believe in the saying: 'Practice yoga and stay healthy.' Through Pariniti, we aspire to promote yoga worldwide and help people lead healthier lives."
Despite their different paths, Pooja and Pariniti share a belief in the importance of consistent effort and a robust support system. One aims to represent India on the Olympic stage, while the other encourages early adoption of yoga. Their stories illustrate how youth from rural backgrounds can pursue ambitious goals and make a difference beyond their local communities, proving that talent and ambition know no boundaries.