Is Aavya Anan the Future Star of Gymnastics in India?

New Delhi, May 12 (NationPress) Aavya Anan, the youngest gymnast at the Khelo India Youth Games 2025 in Bihar, has quite literally decided to turn the world upside down. Her fascinating journey into the realm of gymnastics commenced with an unusual passion: the young girl adored standing on her head, her legs high in the air, joyfully flipping and arching in her living room.

Listening to the youngest Khelo India gymnast share her discovery of gymnastics is truly captivating. "I had no idea Gymnastics was a sport," Aavya chuckles. "I simply loved being upside down. My parents noticed my arches and flips while I enjoyed dance shows on TV at home, leading them to introduce me to Gymnastics."

Aavya's name signifies the first rays of sunlight, and her mother is optimistic that her daughter will one day shine brightly in the Indian gymnastics scenario. Currently in class 4, she has been training for just 18 months at the Rising Youth Gymnastics Academy in Patna, under the vigilant guidance of coach Roshan Yadav. She has already claimed two gold medals and a silver medal at the 2025 State Championships.

"This is my first Khelo India Games, and I am eager to perform my best. I am not focused on outdoing others; rather, I aim to give my best effort and remain calm. If I don't win a medal this time, I will win in the future," Aavya stated with the calm assurance of a seasoned athlete. She is participating in the Artistic Gymnastics events.

Her coach, Roshan Yadav, a former gymnast himself, believes she is extraordinarily gifted. "She possesses remarkable talent, and her physique is ideal for gymnastics. She learns rapidly and trains for long hours with impressive endurance," he remarked. "Even at such a young age, she will challenge the more seasoned gymnasts."

Aavya's drive is complemented by the unwavering support of her parents, who stand out in a region where sports often take a backseat to academics. "Without my family's encouragement, I wouldn't be here. Many girls miss out on this opportunity. But my mom and dad always said, 'Pursue your passions. Build your own identity,'" Aavya explained.

Roshan himself is a product of the Khelo India Scheme and has trained at the SAI National Centre of Excellence in Kolkata. He has returned to Bihar to open a gymnastics center. "I aspire to elevate the standards of gymnastics in Bihar. My name is Roshan, and with Aavya, Bihar will shine even brighter in gymnastics."

Currently, the nine-year-old is carving a path for every little girl who dares to see the world from a different perspective. Aavya's dream is both simple and powerful: "I want to be recognized as a gymnastics girl! Not just in Bihar, but all across India."