8 months ago
KIUG 2025 Medallists Bharti and Devika Inspire Hope
Bharti and Devika are two young boxers who won medals at the Khelo India University Games in 2025.
Bharti, from Haryana, won a silver medal and comes from a family with financial struggles.
Devika, from Maharashtra, won a gold medal and comes from a more privileged background.
Both have different inspirations and goals.
Bharti hopes for more support for athletes from humble backgrounds, while Devika aims to compete in the Senior Nationals and represent India in the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.
Their stories show how sports can help people overcome challenges and achieve their dreams.
Bharti from Haryana won a silver medal in the women’s minimum (45-48kg) category at KIUG 2025, representing Maharshi Dayanand University.
Devika Satyajit Ghorpade from Maharashtra won a gold medal in the women’s fly 52kg category at KIUG 2025, representing Savitribai Phule Pune University.
Bharti’s father works at a brick factory, earning Rs 250-300 per day, while Devika’s father owns a construction company.
Devika is a highly accomplished athlete with multiple international medals, including the 2022 Youth World Champion title.
Both athletes credit platforms like Khelo India for providing opportunities and support for their athletic careers.
- Who
- Bharti from Haryana and Devika Satyajit Ghorpade from Maharashtra
- What
- Medalists at the 2025 Khelo India University Games (KIUG) in boxing
- Where
- Bharatpur, Rajasthan, India
- When
- During the 2025 KIUG in Rajasthan’s Bharatpur
- Why
- To represent their universities and aspire to compete at the Continental level
Key facts
- Bharti's Background
- Represents Maharshi Dayanand University, Haryana; Father works at a brick factory
- Devika's Background
- Represents Savitribai Phule Pune University, Maharashtra; Father owns a construction company
- Bharti's Achievement
- Silver medal in women’s minimum (45-48kg) category at KIUG 2025
- Devika's Achievement
- Gold medal in women’s fly 52kg category at KIUG 2025
- Devika's Other Achievements
- 2022 Youth World Champion, 2021 Asian Junior Championships bronze, 2024 Under-22 Asian Championships bronze, three KIYG golds
- Bharti's Inspiration
- Cousin Monika, who represented India in boxing
- Devika's Inspiration
- Olympian Manoj Pingale and watching the Rio Olympics
- Devika's Training
- Trains at SAI National Centre of Excellence in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
Quotes
Bharti
A 23-year-old boxer representing Maharshi Dayanand University, Haryana, in the women's minimum (45-48kg) category.
“Athletes from our backgrounds struggle a lot. At the start, we don’t even have the bare minimum, like basic equipment, diet, and accommodation. And frankly speaking, if things don’t change miraculously, which don’t for a lot of us, our performances and the drive to succeed take a hit over time. All of us can do a lot better if we don’t have to worry about those little things.”
thehansindia.com
“That’s where a platform like Khelo India comes into play, as they make things a little easier for us. But we need more help at the level we are. Nobody needs support when they become a superstar. It’s at our level where we need support.”
thehansindia.com
Devika Satyajit Ghorpade
A 20-year-old boxer representing Savitribai Phule Pune University, Maharashtra, in the women's fly (52kg) category.
“I am targeting the Senior Nationals. If I win there, I will represent the country in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the Asian Games in Japan next year. Khelo India is a great platform since it provides so many competitive opportunities.”
thehansindia.com
