Behind every medal won at the World Yogasana Championship lies a story of sacrifice, determination and resilience. For Rajasthan Police personnel Gayatri Chaudhary and Devanshi Sharma, the championship was not just a sporting event—it was the fulfilment of dreams built through years of hard work, family support and an unwavering passion for Yogasana.At 47 years of age, Gayatri Chaudhary from Rajasthan has emerged as one of the inspiring faces of Indian Yogasana. A member of the Rajasthan Police since 2003, Gayatri balances demanding 12 to 14-hour work shifts with her sporting ambitions. Despite limited time for practice, she has gone on to win 21 medals across national and international competitions, including 12 gold medals.Reflecting on her journey, Gayatri credited her late parents for shaping her outlook on life. Their teachings of honesty, patience and perseverance continue to guide her. She believes Yogasana has transformed her life and provided a platform where athletes of all ages can showcase their talent.“Yoga is as essential to life as food, clothing and shelter. It strengthens both the body and the mind. The platform created for Yogasana athletes today is helping people realise their true potential,” she said.Another inspiring story comes from Devanshi Sharma of Rajasthan, who won a gold medal in the Hand Balance category at the championship. A former wrestler and Rajasthan Police constable, Devanshi’s sporting journey took a new direction when she discovered Yogasana.For years, her dream of representing India remained unfulfilled due to work commitments and family responsibilities. It was the encouragement of her husband that reignited her sporting ambitions. While preparing for the championship, Devanshi made the difficult decision to stay away from her 15-month-old child, with her husband taking complete responsibility for their son’s care.Calling the gold medal a shared achievement, Devanshi said the victory belonged as much to her family as it did to her.“This medal is the result of my family’s sacrifices. My husband believed in my dream and stood by me every step of the way. Without that support, this achievement would not have been possible,” she said.Both athletes highlighted how the World Yogasana Championship has opened doors for countless athletes who previously lacked opportunities to compete on a global stage. They also praised the growing international participation in the sport, noting that athletes from around the world are rapidly embracing Yogasana and raising competition standards.The stories of Gayatri and Devanshi reflect the larger spirit of the World Yogasana Championship—a platform where age, profession and personal challenges take a back seat to passion, dedication and excellence. As Yogasana continues to gain recognition globally, athletes like them are proving that determination and discipline can turn even the most unlikely dreams into reality.
