Nandini is a 20-year-old girl from a slum in Sangam City, Prayagraj. She is taking part in kayaking and canoeing at the Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025 in Jammu and Kashmir. She is representing Uttar Pradesh along with over 400 other athletes from all over India. Her story is one of effort and focus.

Nandini comes from a family with limited income. Her father works by pulling trolleys, and her mother works in other people’s homes. Even with these difficulties, Nandini passed her high school exam in 2022 with 61% marks and her intermediate exam in 2024 with 62% marks. She is now in the first year of a Bachelor of Arts course at Chandigarh University.

She started playing sports six years ago with help from an NGO called “Shruwat – Ek Jyoti Shiksha.” This group helps educate girls from poor families. With their help, Nandini found interest in water sports. She started training at a boat club under coach Dhawan Kushwaha. She trained every day for 6 to 8 hours. Her training included a special diet, which cost about ₹10,000 each month. The NGO supported her with this.

This is the second time Nandini is representing her state. She has already competed in kayaking and canoeing events in places like Bhopal. Her journey from a small part of Prayagraj to a national sports event brings hope to many in her area.

Nandini’s journey is more than just about sports. It shows that with support and chances, anyone can move ahead. Her performance at the Khelo India Water Sports Festival proves that talent exists everywhere. It just needs the right help to grow.