India’s Ritu Mondal from West Bengal’s Hooghly district emerged as the biggest star of the inaugural World Yogasana Championships after winning two gold medals in Ahmedabad, strengthening India’s dominance in the globally expanding sport. The 20-year-old became the first athlete to secure two gold medals at the championship.
Coming from a modest background, Ritu is the daughter of a mason and has pursued Yogasana despite financial difficulties. She credited her family’s unwavering support for her to continue training through years of challenges and sacrifice. Her parents and elder brother travelled to Ahmedabad to witness her compete and celebrate with the Indian flag draped around her shoulders.
Ritu’s elder brother Gautam, a former state-level Yogasana athlete, has played a significant role in shaping her career. Unable to continue the sport due to financial constraints, he now guides and mentors her consistently, encouraging her to improve and aim higher.
Before her breakthrough at the world championship, Ritu already earned bronze medals at the Khelo India Youth Games in Chennai and the Khelo India University Games in Assam. In Ahmedabad, she performed exceptionally on the international stage with balance, flexibility, precision and strength.
Ritu said her ultimate dream is to see Yogasana become part of the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and eventually the Olympics. She also acknowledged the support of Galgotias University, which provides her with a monthly scholarship of ₹13,000 to help cover training and educational expenses.
