Patna: Young women from Bihar are making their mark in sports, displaying sheer grit and determination. Their impressive performances have earned them medals at national and international levels. However, their journey to the podium has not been without challenges. TOI chronicles the inspiring stories of five such women who have defied the odds to achieve sporting excellence: Shalini Kumari (20) This weightlifter from Begusarai faced several hurdles before establishing herself in the sport. “Being a girl from a conservative family, I faced immense societal and familial pressure when I took up weightlifting. Even close relatives discouraged me and my parents forced me to stop for nearly two and a half years,” she said. Determined to pursue the sport, Shalini convinced her mother to support her dream. She won silver at the Khelo India Women’s National Weightlifting Championship 2025 in Jan. Goldi Kumari (16) Goldi competes in shot put, discus and javelin throw despite losing her left hand in a train accident as an infant. She won medals in her first national competition. “Watching my classmates participate in sports at school inspired me to try. I performed well and never looked back. Nothing was planned; it all happened by chance. I have even won awards internationally,” she said. Competing for the past two years, Goldi has secured six national and three international medals, including gold and two bronze at the World Ability Sports Youth Games in Thailand in Dec last year. Mahi Swetraj (21) A swimmer from Patna, Mahi has won three national and four international medals. “My father took up swimming as therapy after an accident. As a child, I accompanied him and learned the sport,” she said. Recognising her talent, her father encouraged her to pursue it as a career. Competing since 2015, Mahi won two bronze medals in international events in Thailand and Dubai in 2023 and three national gold medals in 2024. Anshika Kumari (22) An archer from Munger, Anshika developed an interest in the sport at school. Competing nationally for four years, she has won several medals. “My mother was initially apprehensive and wanted me to focus on academics since I was good at studies. But my passion for archery won them over,” she said. Anshika will make her international debut for India at the Archery World Cup Stage 1 and 2 events in the USA and China in April and May. Suhani Kumari (17) A cyclist from Chhapra, Suhani has been competing for five years. “I was fortunate to have supportive parents who encouraged my sporting ambitions,” she said. She has won four national medals, including gold, silver, and bronze and claimed her first international bronze at the Track Asian Championships in Delhi in 2024.
