Nagidi Gayathri from Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh who bagged a gold in the K1 Slalom event at the National Games.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
The course was unforgiving, the currents unpredictable, but Nagidi Gayathri navigated them with finesse. As she surged ahead, outpacing her competitors, she made it clear — this was her domain.
At 20, Gayathri has already carved a name for herself in the world of canoeing. Her latest triumph — a gold medal in the K1 Slalom event at the recently-held 38th National Games in Uttarakhand — has put her at the forefront of Indian watersports. But her journey to the top was not smooth; it was one that required grit, discipline, and an unwavering belief in herself.
Belonging to the fishing community of Nagayalanka village in Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh, Gayathri’s tryst with sports began at an unlikely place — on the mat. As an eighth-grader, she took up Taekwondo, a sport that sharpened her reflexes and instilled in her a fighter’s mindset. But even as she excelled, something else beckoned her — the untamed energy of the water.
Growing up in Nagayalanka, a fishing village, she was no stranger to the river. She had seen the water in all its moods — calm and inviting at dawn, fierce and untamed during the monsoons. It was here that she first picked up a paddle, and in that moment, something clicked. The water was not just an element; it was a challenge, a calling.
Gayathri soon joined the Watersports Academy in Nagayalanka, and it was a turning point in her life. Her coaches were quick to notice her talent — an instinctive ability to read the currents, focus, and a paddle stroke that cut through the water with precision. She trained relentlessly, pushing her limits day after day.
Her efforts bore fruit when she emerged as a Khelo India medalist, setting the stage for bigger achievements. But it was at the 38th National Games that she announced her arrival. Competing in the challenging K1 Slalom event, Gayathri showcased her technical prowess.
Gayathri’s victory is not just a personal milestone; it is a moment of pride for her community. “The people of Nagayalanka, who have watched her journey with admiration, see her as a beacon of hope,” says B Balaram Naidu, president of the Canoeing and Kayaking Association of Andhra Pradesh and adds: “Gayathri has natural talent. Her ability to assess the water and adapt her strokes with precision sets her apart.”
As she stands at the edge of another horizon, her eyes are set on new challenges — perhaps an Asian Championship, a World Cup, or even the Olympics.
Published – February 06, 2025 02:16 pm IST
