Pranati Nayak wins silver at FIG World Challenge Cup 2026 in Tashkent
Synopsis
Pranati Nayak has become only the third Indian woman gymnast to win an international medal, claiming silver in the Vault at the FIG World Challenge Cup 2026 in Tashkent with a 13.025 score. A three-time Asian Championship bronze medallist, the 31-year-old Odisha athlete is quietly building one of Indian gymnastics' most consistent international records.
Key Takeaways
Pranati Nayak won the silver medal in Vault at the FIG World Challenge Cup 2026 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan .
She scored 13.025 in the Vault final against a strong international field.
Pranati is only the third Indian woman gymnast to win an international medal, after Dipa Karmakar and Aruna Reddy .
The 31-year-old has won Asian Championship bronze medals in 2019 , 2022 , and 2025 , all in Vault.
The Odisha Gymnastics Association and chief coach Ashok Mishra congratulated her on the achievement.
Odisha gymnast Pranati Nayak claimed the silver medal in the Vault event at the FIG World Challenge Cup 2026 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, adding another landmark to her decorated international career. The 31-year-old posted a score of 13.025 in the Vault final, holding her own against a competitive global field to secure a podium finish.
A Historic Milestone for Indian Gymnastics
Pranati is only the third Indian woman gymnast to win an international medal, following in the footsteps of Dipa Karmakar and Aruna Reddy. Her silver in Tashkent comes on the back of three Asian Championship bronze medals — in 2019, 2022, and 2025 — all in the Vault discipline, making her one of the most consistent performers Indian gymnastics has produced.
What the Coaches Said
Chief coach Ashok Mishra hailed the achievement as a source of national inspiration. 'Pranati's achievement is a proud and inspiring moment for Indian gymnastics. Her dedication and consistency continue to set an example for young athletes across the country. We are delighted to see her shine on the international stage and are confident she will achieve even greater success ahead,' he said.
Ashok Sahoo, Honorary Secretary of the Odisha Gymnastics Association, described the medal as historic. 'Pranati Nayak's silver medal at the FIG World Challenge Cup 2026 is a historic and proud moment for Odisha as well as the entire country. Her achievement reflects the growing standard of gymnastics in Odisha and the immense potential of our athletes to excel on the world stage,' Sahoo said.
Odisha's Growing Footprint in Elite Gymnastics
Pranati's performance is being seen as a reflection of Odisha's rising stature in Indian sport. The state has invested significantly in sports infrastructure in recent years, and Pranati's consistent international results underscore the returns on that investment. The Odisha Gymnastics Association extended its congratulations and expressed confidence in her continued progress on the world stage.
What's Next
With the FIG World Challenge Cup silver now in her cabinet, attention will turn to Pranati's next international outings and whether she can convert her vault consistency into a podium at even higher-tier FIG events. Her trajectory suggests Indian gymnastics has a credible contender for future global competitions.
Point of View
Dipa Karmakar was the singular reference point for women's artistic gymnastics in India. The emergence of Pranati, and now her consistent international podium finishes, suggests the pipeline is finally deepening. What remains to be seen is whether the federation and state bodies can build the structural support — elite coaching, international exposure, and competition access — to push the next generation from silver at Challenge Cup level to genuine World Championship and Olympic contention.
NationPress
10 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What medal did Pranati Nayak win at the FIG World Challenge Cup 2026?
Pranati Nayak won the silver medal in the Vault event at the FIG World Challenge Cup 2026 held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, scoring 13.025 in the final.
Who are the Indian women gymnasts to have won international medals?
Pranati Nayak is only the third Indian woman gymnast to win an international medal, after Dipa Karmakar and Aruna Reddy.
What is Pranati Nayak's record at the Asian Championships?
Pranati has won bronze medals in the Vault event at three Asian Championships — in 2019, 2022, and 2025 — making her one of India's most consistent gymnasts at the continental level.
Which state does Pranati Nayak represent?
Pranati Nayak represents Odisha and is affiliated with the Odisha Gymnastics Association, which has congratulated her on the Tashkent silver.
What is the FIG World Challenge Cup?
The FIG World Challenge Cup is an international gymnastics competition organised by the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG). The 2026 edition was held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, and featured gymnasts from across the world competing in artistic gymnastics events including Vault.
