Ankita Dhyani: The Rising Star from Pauri, Heading to Paris 2024

Ankita Dhyani, a proud daughter of Pauri Garhwal in Uttarakhand, has secured her spot for the Paris 2024 Olympics! The World Athletics recently announced its list of qualified athletes, and Ankita is among the 30 Indians who made the cut. Her ranking also shot up to an impressive 42nd, thanks to her stellar performance in the 5000-meter race.

From a Small Village to the World Stage

Ankita hails from Meruda village in Lansdowne tehsil, Pauri Garhwal. Her journey from the quiet hills of Uttarakhand to international fame is nothing short of inspiring. Currently, she’s training at the Indian Camp in Bengaluru, focusing on sharpening her skills for the Olympics.

Recently, Ankita showcased her talents at the 63rd National Inter-State Athletics Championship in Panchkula, Haryana. Competing in the 5000-meter race, she clocked in at 16 minutes 10.31 seconds and claimed the gold, leaving her competition far behind. This victory further solidified her place in the world rankings, helping her qualify for Paris 2024.

A Lifetime of Achievements

Ankita’s journey in athletics began early. She first competed at the national level while in the 8th grade and never looked back. Her parents, Mahminand Dhyani and Lakshmi Devi, recall how Ankita has been unstoppable since then. She even won a silver medal at the Asian Indoor Athletics Championship in Tehran, Iran.

Here’s a glimpse of Ankita Dhyani’s achievements over the years:

• 2013-14: First national-level appearance at the School Games in Ranchi, participating in the 800m and 1500m races.
• 2016-17: Won first place in the 3000-meter race organized by the Athletics Federation of India in Telangana.
• 2017: Gold in the 3000-meter race at the Youth Federation event in Vadodara and silver at the National School Games in Rohtak.
• Khelo India Success: Gold medals in 1500m and 3000m races at Khelo India events, leading to her selection for the Sai Hostel in Bhopal.
• 2019-2021: Gold medals in various national events, including Bhopal, Guwahati, Sangrur, and Patiala.

As Ankita gears up for the Paris Olympics, her entire state and the country are cheering her on. From the mountains of Uttarakhand to the global stage, Ankita Dhyani is truly a rising star.