Jaipur, Dec 8 (NationPress) Khoirom Rejiya Devi faced constant discouragement, often told, “this sport isn’t for you” by her family and some coaches when she began her cycling journey in 2019.

This talented cyclist hails from Manipur and currently represents the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) at the Khelo India University Games in Rajasthan 2025. Initially, she tried her skills in Sepak Takraw during her junior years but was not selected for further competitions.

At only 23, she proved her critics wrong by defeating the favorite, Meenakshi Rohilla from Guru Nanak Dev University, clinching the women’s 3km Pursuit gold at the Sawai Man Singh Stadium Cycling Velodrome in Jaipur.

“Since 2019, I’ve faced immense mental challenges both on and off the track. Each race feels like a test. My sole objective is to become the top cyclist in the nation,” Rejiya shared with SAI Media.

The daughter of a fisherman from Phubala village in Bishnupur district, Manipur, Rejiya was a member of the state’s Sepak Takraw team from 2014 to 2018. However, she soon realized that her future lay elsewhere. “My father’s drunken taunts and the mockery from others made me cry daily. But a friend encouraged me to try cycling, noting my speed,” she recounted.

However, her journey was not straightforward.

Just as she began to find her footing in competitions, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, disrupting her training but not her passion for the sport.

Upon resuming, she traveled to Delhi for national trials, only to face the same criticism: “You lack exposure; your timing isn’t up to senior level standards.”

This time, however, Rejiya persevered. She returned home, trained rigorously each morning, lost ten kilograms, and shifted her focus from sprinting to endurance. This led her to a bronze medal at the 2021 Senior Nationals in Jaipur, securing her place in the National Camp at Patiala.

In 2022, she was part of the Indian women's team that achieved a historic bronze at the Asian Cycling Championships in Team Pursuit. By 2024, Rejiya had become one of India’s leading pursuit racers, yet Meenakshi remained the toughest competitor.

Finally, in Jaipur, she saw her chance and capitalized on it, denying Meenakshi the chance to secure five gold medals at the Games. “To beat Meenakshi, one needs intelligence, strength, and strategy. I recognized her fatigue after several days of racing and accelerated my pace,” Rejiya explained, who had triumphed in the Asmita League last year.

“Meenakshi is a phenomenal athlete who despises losing, just as I do. Having faced significant neglect, I now relentlessly pursue achievement. This victory is my answer to those who doubted me. Defeating her in the 3km pursuit is a remarkable milestone for me,” she added.

The honor of winning is magnified when your rival acknowledges your triumph. After the race, Meenakshi, who won four golds and one silver at KIUG Rajasthan, warmly embraced Rejiya and said, “Rejiya is one of our strongest cyclists. I’m pleased for her victory, even though it stings to lose in my favorite event.”