At just 21, Shraddha Rangarh has lived a journey most athletes only begin to understand years later.
She has won multiple gold medals at the national level and even created history this year at the World Kickboxing Championship 2025 in Abu Dhabi, becoming the first Indian ever to win a medal in Forms at the global stage.
But her story isn’t just about medals, it’s about grit, pain, loneliness, discipline, and an unshakeable belief that she was meant for more.
Who is Shraddha Rangarh?
Shraddha Rangarh, a 21-year-old from Faridabad, Haryana, is quietly redefining the world of Kickboxing in India. Under the WAKO India Kickboxing Federation, Shraddha has not only demonstrated extraordinary talent but has carved a place in history as the first Indian to win a medal in Forms at the World Kickboxing Championship 2025 in Abu Dhabi, securing a bronze.
Bearing the weight of her training, diet, and international tournament expenses entirely on her own, Shraddha’s journey reflects grit, resilience, and unwavering determination. From cricket to football, Taekwondo to kickboxing, she has relentlessly pursued excellence despite the lack of coaching, financial support, and societal backing.
Triumph Over Adversity
“When I started Taekwondo, I didn’t pay attention to diet or mental training,” Shraddha shares with The Logical Indian. “I was severely injured just five days before Nationals. I needed support to even go to the washroom.”
In July 2025, a sharp jerk during training tore her knee cartilage, threatening her participation in upcoming tournaments. Yet, with sheer willpower, taping, and therapy, she not only competed but won three gold medals at the Nationals. A month later, despite lingering fears, she clinched a historic bronze at the World Kickboxing Championship.
“Even though I got the bronze, I knew I deserved gold,” Shraddha admits. “I’m just working on it, and I know it will come in 2027.”
A Journey of Self-Reliance
Financial independence has been both a challenge and a driving force. Shraddha shoulders all expenses herself, from school fees to international competition costs.
“In the beginning, support came from nowhere,” she says. “I was from a middle-class family. My father is a shopkeeper. I couldn’t even ask him for help,” Shraddha told The Logical Indian.
Through sheer resourcefulness, Shraddha turned to social media. During the lockdown of 2020, she learned martial arts techniques from YouTube and started posting her progress online.
Her Instagram now boasts 1.8 million followers, YouTube 1.7 million subscribers, and Facebook over 400,000 fans. “It’s not about the numbers,” she explains. “It’s about the audience who respect me. I give them the guidance I never received.”
Breaking Barriers in Sports
Shraddha’s journey hasn’t been just about personal victories; it’s been about challenging societal norms. Growing up in a conservative family, she faced constant pressure to conform.
“People would say, ‘Tie a rakhi to Kanha ji, your brother will be born. Daughters are not enough,’” she recalls. “It was a devastating stage for me, but I decided at 13 that I would leave this city as soon as I became financially independent, which I did last year.”
Her mother, once hesitant, became her steadfast supporter. “She has been a listener, even when she couldn’t fully understand. She allowed me to pursue sports, saying, ‘If you want to join a sport, I will support you.’ She made me a son,” Shraddha says with a smile.
Finding Her True Calling
Shraddha’s athletic journey has been a series of transitions. From cricket to football, then Taekwondo, and finally kickboxing, she kept seeking the right path.
“The biggest reason for switching was the lack of guidance and coaching,” she explains. “In India, elite athletes often rely on international coaches. We lack infrastructure, proper equipment, and technical training. So I trained myself and joined international camps whenever possible.”
Her move to kickboxing came after federational disputes in Taekwondo. “I wanted a clean sport,” she says. “Kickboxing gave me that opportunity.”
Giving Back Through Knowledge
Entirely self-taught, she honed her skills by watching tutorials on YouTube, practicing tirelessly at home without a formal coach. As she shares, “I didn’t have anyone to guide me, so I learned everything by observing videos and practising again and again.”
Her story is a testament to the power of determination, curiosity, and self-discipline, proving that passion and perseverance can break barriers, even on the world stage. Beyond competing, Shraddha is creating opportunities for others. Recognizing the barriers she faced, she started teaching martial arts online.
“There are so many people like me who cannot afford coaching. So I thought, why not teach?” she explains. Today, her tutorials inspire thousands of young athletes to pursue their dreams, ensuring a new generation of women in sports feels empowered and supported.
The Spirit of a Champion
Shraddha Rangarh’s story is a testament to perseverance, independence, and courage. She embodies the spirit of a young athlete who refuses to be limited by injury, financial constraints, or societal expectations.
“I have faced moments when everyone was pointing fingers at me just because I loved what I did,” she says. “But I decided that I will achieve what I want. And I am doing it.”
At just 21, Shraddha is not only making her mother and family proud but also inspiring India and the world. Her bronze medal is more than a podium finish, it is a symbol of hope, grit, and the power of self-belief.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we respect and celebrate achievers like Shraddha, who create history through their dedication, discipline, and courage. Her journey is a reminder of the power of perseverance and it inspires us to value hard work, sportsmanship, and determination in all walks of life.
We believe that stories like hers encourage empathy, positivity, and harmony in society, showing that excellence can be achieved with grace and integrity.
