Khelo India Youth Games 2025: Jharkhand’s Sabina Bags 2 Golds, 1 Bronze in Cycling on Debut Appearance

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Khelo India Youth Games 2025: Sabina Kumari's journey from the humble lanes of Jharkhand's Chatra district to winning three medals in the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) 2025 is a story of resilience, determination, and belief.

The 18-year-old, daughter of a daily-wage worker and a housewife, recently made headlines with her stellar performance in cycling at the prestigious event. In her debut at the KIYG, Sabina clinched double gold in the girls' Keirin and Team Sprint events, as well as a bronze in the 200m Sprint.

"This was my first Khelo India Youth Games, and I'm very happy with my performance and the three medals. Among them, the individual Keirin was my best," an elated Sabina said, her pride evident in her words. Her achievement is a testament to her relentless pursuit of excellence despite the odds stacked against her.

Sabina's rise to prominence is not just about her cycling skills, but also about the quiet determination and hard work that has driven her since childhood. "I have always been focused and have worked hard. There are many girls in rural places who want to do something in life but don't find the opportunity. I want to tell them - working hard. Chase what you want, whether it's in sports or anything else," Sabina said, her voice full of resolve and hope for others.

Her introduction to the world of cycling was entirely accidental. "I didn't even know about sports then. My father filled out a form in 2017 under the Central Coalfields Ltd programme of the Jharkhand Government. He just wanted me to do well in life in terms of survival and education. That small act changed my life," Sabina shared.

At the age of 12, Sabina embarked on her sporting journey with the Jharkhand State Sports Promotion Society (JSPS) Academy in Ranchi. Her natural agility and instincts quickly caught the attention of coach Ram Kapoor Bhatt, a former multiple medalist in cycling at the 2011 National Games. Impressed by her abilities, Bhatt encouraged Sabina to take up sprint cycling, a pivotal moment in her career.

"I was 13 in 2018 when I started training under Ram sir and I never looked back," Sabina recalled. By 2021, Sabina had secured a gold and bronze at her first national championship in Jaipur, a turning point that made her realise her potential. "That was when I started believing that I could go far," she added.

Despite the financial challenges her family faced, with her mother managing the home and her father working daily-wage jobs, Sabina's dreams seemed distant. However, the support she received from the Khelo India Scheme opened doors to a brighter future. "The Khelo India Scheme is the reason I am what I am today," Sabina expressed, acknowledging the programme's role in shaping her career.

In 2024, Sabina earned her first international medal as part of the Indian team that bagged sprint gold at the Asian Championships in Delhi. Today, she trains at the SAI National Centre of Excellence (NCOE) IG Stadium under the guidance of French cycling legend Kevin Sireau, who has further honed her technical skills. "He is a very good guide. My aim now is to represent India at the Olympics," Sabina said with aspirations set on the global stage.

Despite her demanding training schedule, Sabina is determined to complete her 12th standard studies through self-learning, striking a balance between academics and athletics. Grateful for her roots, Sabina credits her success to her coach, Ram Bhatt, and the flourishing cycling scene in Jharkhand. "There's been so much development in cycling in Jharkhand. Around 25-30 kids are training under Ram Sir now. He wants all of us to go forward. I am so grateful to have found him at the right time," she said.

Sabina Kumari's extraordinary performance at the Khelo India Youth Games 2025 is just the beginning. With unwavering focus and a heart full of dreams, this young cyclist is now pedalling towards greater glory, aiming to represent India on the Olympic stage.