Teen gymnast battles injury to win gold in national youth games

Seventeen-year-old Sameer Kohli, son of a driver, has clinched a gold medal in gymnastics at the Khelo India Youth Games held in New Delhi on May 14, overcoming a recent fracture near his ankle.

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Just a month ago, Sameer was injured and had to wear a plaster. Remarkably, shortly after its removal, he participated in a national-level championship in Pune, where he secured a silver medal. Now, with unwavering determination, he has gone a step further by winning gold.

Sameer now aims to represent the country in international tournaments and championships and preparations are already underway. His journey in gymnastics began when he was around seven years old, inspired by a senior at his school. “He really played a major role in my life. I got inspired just by watching him perform. That was when I started training under Luv sir,” Sameer told The Tribune while returning from New Delhi.

Love Kumar, a gymnastics coach associated with the sports department since 2016, recalls Sameer’s early days with pride. “When he came to me, he was very young. I was amazed by his dedication to the sport. He never skips practice and comes regularly. In our decade-long association, Sameer has hardly taken any days off. Even during exams, he continues his training. I have always respected his perseverance,” said the coach.

A student of Class XII at Sports School, Jalandhar, Sameer acknowledged the financial challenges his family has faced. “There were times when it was difficult to manage a proper diet or buy equipment. Still, my parents never discouraged me. They always motivated me and gave me all the strength I needed,” he said.

Coach Love Kumar added that their focus has now shifted to preparing Sameer for international competitions. “During the Khelo India Games, we closely observed every player and assessed the overall level of competition. We now know exactly what we need to work on. We are all set,” he said.