Hoshiarpur’s young boxing star Hardik Bali strikes gold again

Promising young boxer Hardik Bali has once again made Hoshiarpur proud by clinching his eighth state gold medal, adding to an already remarkable streak of achievements at a very young age.

A Class 10 student of Vidya Mandir, Hardik has been consistently rising through the ranks with his exceptional performances, which include a prestigious Khelo India national gold and an impressive collection of medals at the state and national levels.

His ultimate dream is clear and unwavering — earning a place in the Indian Olympic squad and winning medals for the nation.

Hardik began his boxing journey in 2021 as a Class VI student at the Saksham Boxing Club, Una, drawing inspiration from his sporting family. His maternal uncle (Mama), Rajesh Kumar, a national medallist, and his Mami, Saroj Sharma, an international boxer, introduced him to the world of boxing and became his earliest role models.

Guided by his current coach, Harjang Singh, Hardik has developed into a technically sharp and mentally strong boxer. His achievements include gold medals at Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan 2022, School State Boxing Championship 2022, Junior State Boxing Championship 2023, Khed Watan Punjab Diyan 2023, School State Boxing Championship 2024, Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan 2024, Youth State Boxing Championship 2025, and School State Boxing Championship 2025. He also earned a bronze at the Youth National Boxing Championship 2025 and another bronze at the Khelo India Youth Games 2025, along with noteworthy participations in national tournaments.

Praising Hardik’s dedication, his coach Harjang Singh said, “Hardik is one of the most disciplined young athletes I have trained. His focus and consistency are extraordinary. If he continues on this path, I am certain he will represent India at the Olympics one day.”

His mother, Renu Bali, an IELTS trainer, expressed immense pride, while saying, “Hardik has shown incredible determination. His father always believed he would achieve great things, and today he is proving that belief right. His dream of wearing the Indian jersey keeps him motivated every day.”

Speaking about his aspirations, Hardik himself shared with this correspondent, “I want to be part of the Indian Olympic squad and win medals for my country. Every training session and every punch I throw brings me closer to that dream. I want to make my family and India proud.”

Supported by a strong family foundation, with his late father Anand Bali, his mother Renu (an IELTS trainer), and his grandfather Parshotam Das Bali, a retired PWD engineer, Hardik continues to train with unshakeable focus. With eight state gold medals, national-level accomplishments, and a burning dream for Olympic glory, Hardik Bali is well on his way to becoming one of India’s future boxing champions.