In the quiet lanes of Mohali, where dreams often dissolve into routine, a young girl once stood at the crossroads of indifference and destiny. Namrata Batra wasn’t born with a medal in her hand or a burning ambition in her heart. In fact, she was a teenager who didn’t care much for academics, drifting through school with little direction. But fate, as it often does, had other plans.
The Accidental Beginning
Namrata’s journey into Wushu—a full-contact martial art—began not with passion, but with parental concern. Worried about her lack of interest in studies, her father enrolled her in a local gym that offered a one-month Wushu training program. It was meant to be a distraction. Instead, it became her calling.
“I wasn’t really interested in academics back then,” Namrata recalls. “But my family stood by me and encouraged me to pursue sport.”
What started as a reluctant trial turned into a revelation. The rhythm of combat, the discipline of training, and the thrill of competition awakened something fierce within her.
From Mohali to Madhya Pradesh: A Fighter Finds Her Ground
Namrata’s first taste of victory came in 2015, when she won gold at the Junior Nationals. By 2017, she had clinched silver at the Junior Asian Championship. Her talent was undeniable, but her path was anything but smooth. She chose to represent Madhya Pradesh, a state known for nurturing grassroots talent. Training at the Sports Authority of India’s National Centre of Excellence in Itanagar, she honed her skills in the Sanda 52kg category, mastering the art of kicks, punches, and psychological warfare.
Her mantra? “Chadh ke khelna hai”—play with aggression so your opponent never finds their footing.
The Setback That Nearly Broke Her
In 2023, just as she was preparing for the Asian Games trials, Namrata suffered a serious injury. It was a crushing blow. The dream she had nurtured for years slipped through her fingers. For many athletes, such moments mark the end. But for Namrata, it was the beginning of a comeback. She returned stronger in 2024, winning silver at the Asian Championship. In 2025, she bagged bronze at the Moscow Star International Wushu Championship. Each medal was a testament to her resilience, each fight a battle against not just opponents, but self-doubt.
Making History at the World Games
Then came Chengdu, China. The World Games 2025. Namrata faced Krizan Faith Collado of the Philippines in the semifinals. With precision and power, she defeated her 2-0, becoming India’s first-ever Wushu medallist at the World Games. Her performance wasn’t just technical—it was poetic. Every move spoke of years of struggle, every strike echoed the sacrifices of a girl who once didn’t know what she wanted.
“I have to stand like a wall,” she said before the match. And she did.
Legacy Beyond Medals
Namrata Batra’s story is more than a sporting achievement. It’s a narrative of transformation—of how a girl from Mohali, unsure of her path, became a symbol of grit for an entire nation. Her journey has inspired countless young athletes, especially girls who are told to stay quiet, stay safe, stay small. She received the State Award from Madhya Pradesh, but her real reward lies in the hearts she’s ignited.
The Fighter Who Never Gave Up
Namrata’s life reminds us that greatness doesn’t always begin with a dream. Sometimes, it begins with a detour. A nudge. A one-month trial. And then, with courage, it becomes a legacy.