Udaipur, Nov 29 (NationPress) In the academic year 2022-23, numerous school students and their guardians faced a harrowing experience at a hotel in New Delhi after falling victim to scams that drained their hard-earned funds and led them to believe they would participate in an international competition. Their visas for France never materialized for the 19th ISF World School Gymnasiade in Normandy, leaving many devastated and financially burdened. Among those affected was young Jaanvi Yadav, whose family is still hoping to recover the Rs 2.5 lakh her father had gathered by breaking his Fixed Deposit and acquiring personal loans.

Despite this setback, Jaanvi's father, Uttam Singh, employed at a courier company, was determined not to let the financial hardship hinder his daughter's promising athletic career. His unwavering belief in her potential remained intact.

That faith was rewarded on Thursday when Jaanvi made a triumphant return to the mat after being sidelined for almost seven months due to a left shoulder injury. She secured the 48kg gold medal in the women's judo competition at the Khelo India University Games (KIUG) 2025, hosted at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Indoor Multipurpose Hall in Udaipur. This victory marked her second consecutive podium finish at the KIUG, adding to the bronze she earned last year in Guwahati while representing Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU).

At just 19 years old, Jaanvi has already established herself as a formidable competitor, boasting multiple Khelo India medals, including a gold at the Khelo India Youth Games in 2021 and a silver in 2023. She is currently a third-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Physical Education and Sports (BPES), and is the younger sibling in her family from the Dwarka area of Delhi.

Jaanvi's skills have also been recognized on the international stage. She earned a silver medal at the 2019 Commonwealth Sub-Junior Championships in Birmingham and replicated this achievement three years later at the Asian Cadet Championships in Bangkok.

“My family has consistently supported my aspirations from the very beginning. My father is the only provider in our household, working at a private courier company at the airport. Despite the financial struggles we faced, he has always stood by me. I vividly remember the distressing incident that left us shattered; my father had to break his FD and take out loans to gather that amount after I excelled in the qualifications held in Bhubaneswar,” she remarked.

“What transpired was truly disheartening, but my father never allowed it to affect my performance. His unwavering support has been the foundation of my achievements, and everything I am today is due to the sacrifices made by my parents,” she added.

Training at the Ramvir Solanki Club in Dwarka, Jaanvi has also excelled in the ASMITA Leagues, crediting the financial aid from the Khelo India initiative for alleviating the pressures faced by athletes.

“The stipend from the Khelo India scheme has significantly helped me as I do not have to further burden my parents for nutritional needs, training gear, and occasional travel for competitions,” she shared.

However, her journey has not been without obstacles. In 2023, Jaanvi sustained a left shoulder injury during the final of the All-India Inter-University Championships in Amritsar. After consulting with doctors, she continued to compete through the pain for nearly a year, even winning bronze at the 2024 KIUG. Eventually, she was advised to undergo surgery, which she had earlier this year.

Driven to return even stronger, Jaanvi set her sights on making KIUG 2025 the venue for an unforgettable comeback, a goal she achieved with her gold medal finish. With renewed confidence and momentum, she now looks forward to the upcoming Junior National trials next month, determined to continue ascending the ranks and repaying her family's faith in her.