Inspirational stories of rising young athletes who've made their mark in the ongoing KIUG 2022

The grand Khelo India University Games (KIUG) 2022 is turning out to be a humongous platform for up-and-coming talented athletes. Giving wings to sports enthusiasts on a national level, the KIUG is helping young athletes aim high.

A multi-sports grand affair, this is the third season of the Games that will go on till June 3 in cities of Lucknow, Varanasi, Gautam Buddha Nagar and Gorakhpur. The grand sports fest has more than 200 varsities competing in 21 sports events in totality.

Here are some inspirational stories of the emerging winners at the KIUG 2022.

Hailing from Varanasi, the city that has snagged wide attention and praise for producing numerous hockey prodigies, the young athlete Rahul Yadav is now holding the baton.

A representative of Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth, Varanasi, at Major Dhyanchand Synthetic Hockey Stadium of Guru Gobind Singh Sports College Lucknow, showcased his athletic prowess at Khelo India University Games-2022.

With Rahul's team winning the match against Bengaluru City University, the fullback was praised for his crucial goal. He has also been selected for the post of constable in UP Police, under sports quota.

The winner of gold medal in 50 m rifle shooting in the women's category, Ashi Choksey made it through and won hearts at the same time.

Aashi, who has won the gold medal in Khelo India University Games for the second time in a row, expresses gratitude to her family members. The player developed interest when her colonel in the NCC camp encouraged her to pursue a career in rifle shooting when she was in Class 10.

The final match of the KIUG-2022 Rugby in Uttar Pradesh, organised at Lucknow's Sports College, saw the teams of Bharati Vidyapeeth Maharashtra (in men) and KIIT University Odisha (in women) emerging as champions.

What is interesting to note is that the captains of both teams belong to families of farmers. In the men's category, Bharati Vidyapeeth Maharashtra's captain Sridhar Shrikant Nigde while in the women's category, KIIT University Odisha's captain Dumini Marindi rose to the challenge and made their respective states proud.

Both the young rugby players have a tremendous winning record in their past games. While Sridhar Srikanth Nigde has represented the Indian team in the Under-17 Asian School Games, Indian senior rugby team, has been a member of the Division III winning team and the Bronze medal winning team of Division IV, Dumini has been a part of the silver medal winning team of Asia Rugby Trophy last year. She has also played for the Odisha team in many national rugby events and, to her name, has as many as 15 medals, including 7 gold.

A representative of Tamil Nadu's Indian University, Nivedita Velor made all proud by bagging the silver medal in 25m pistol rapid fire. An international and national medal winner, Nivedita has been fond of shooting since her childhood.

Along with fulfilling her parents' dreams, the young shooter wants to win a medal for India in the Olympics in future.

A result of his sheer determination and perseverance, the young athlete Sarabjot won a silver medal in 10 m air pistol in the ongoing shooting at Karni Singh Shooting Range in New Delhi.

The son of a humble farmer, Sarabjot belongs to a village in Ambala, Dhin. And had dreams of becoming an international player in shooting ever since Class 10.