Can 8-Year-Old Nilanjana Sharma Make Her Mark in Table Tennis for India?
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Synopsis
Discover the inspiring journey of 8-year-old Nilanjana Sharma, the youngest competitor at the Khelo India Youth Games 2025. Trained by her father, this talented table tennis player aims to represent India on global platforms. Her story is a testament to dedication and passion, showcasing the potential of young athletes in India.
Key Takeaways
- Nilanjana Sharma is a promising young athlete in table tennis.
- Her journey began at age three, showing early passion for the sport.
- She has achieved significant success in state-level competitions.
- Nilanjana's story highlights the importance of family support in sports.
- Khelo India plays a vital role in developing sporting talent across India.
Rajgir (Bihar), May 8 (NationPress) Amidst a vibrant gathering of 6500 athletes at the ongoing Khelo India Youth Games 2025, an 8-year-old prodigy is capturing attention in the table tennis arena. Nilanjana Sharma, the youngest competitor in the tournament, hails from the Muzaffarpur district of Bihar and is thrilled to showcase her skills on this significant platform.
Trained by her father, Niranjan Kumar, a former football player and sports instructor at DAV Public School in Muzaffarpur, Nilanjana embarked on her sports journey at the tender age of three.
In an interview with SAI Media, Niranjan shared, “Initially, I envisioned her pursuing lawn tennis, but I shifted my focus due to insufficient facilities. Upon noticing her profound interest in table tennis, I began her training, and I continue to support her passion today.”
Nilanjana's remarkable talent was evident when she clinched the gold medal at the Under-11 Bihar State Championship in 2022. She also secured runner-up positions in both the U-13 and U-15 categories later that year. In the 2023 Bihar State Championship, she emerged victorious in the U-11 class and followed it up by winning both the U-11 and U-13 titles in 2024, while also finishing second in the U-15 category.
Bihar’s table tennis head coach, Rahul Kumar, confirmed, “Nilanjana Sharma is the youngest participant in the ongoing Khelo India Youth Games.”
When asked about her ultimate aspiration, Nilanjana stated: “I aspire to represent India in international competitions and make my parents proud.”
Nilanjana’s journey exemplifies that with consistent effort and dedication, any goal can be achieved. Her participation in the Khelo India Youth Games is a source of immense pride not only for Bihar but for the entire nation. This showcases how Khelo India is instrumental in identifying and nurturing talent from various corners of the country.
Point of View
I believe that young athletes like Nilanjana Sharma embody the spirit of our nation. Their dedication and talent not only uplift their communities but also inspire future generations. The Khelo India initiative is crucial in nurturing such talent, reaffirming our commitment to sports excellence in India.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Nilanjana Sharma?
Nilanjana Sharma is an 8-year-old table tennis player from Muzaffarpur, Bihar, and the youngest participant in the Khelo India Youth Games 2025.
What achievements does Nilanjana have?
She won gold at the Under-11 Bihar State Championship in 2022 and has been a runner-up in U-13 and U-15 categories, showcasing her exceptional talent.
Who is training Nilanjana Sharma?
Nilanjana is trained by her father, Niranjan Kumar, a former football player and sports teacher at DAV Public School.
What are Nilanjana's future aspirations?
Nilanjana aspires to represent India in international table tennis tournaments and make her parents proud.
What is Khelo India?
Khelo India is a national initiative aimed at promoting sports and identifying talent across the country, providing athletes with platforms to showcase their abilities.
