Story of Palak Kour Bijral, top rhythmic gymnast of India
The spirit of never giving up and always aiming for excellence has rightly made Palak Kour Bijral one of the best gymnasts of India. She is an international rhythmic gymnast who started practising gymnastics at the age of 6. Representing India on a global level remains the best accomplishment of Palak so far. While she was 8, she participated in her first Artistic Gymnastics competition. However, she started practising rhythmic gymnastics at the age of 11 and her first participation was during the National Championship held in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. In the under 12 sub-junior category, the gymnast swiped 3 gold medals and 1 silver medal.
In 2006, she bagged the first government recognized Sher-i-Kashmir Award after becoming the sub-junior National Champion of India. Besides this, Palak’s first international participation was in 2008 at the 4th Children of Asia International Games in Yakutsk, Mirny, Neryungri (Russia). The young sportswoman has made India proud of participating in many international events including Asian Championship in 2013, World Championship in 2013 and World Cup in 2014. For her incredible performance in the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, she was felicitated with the Sher-i-Kashmir Sports Award by the former Chief Minister of J&K, Mr Omar Abdullah.
The following year in the National Games of India 2015, she won 2 gold medals. Continuing the winning streak, Palak in 2017 bagged 2 gold medals and 3 silver medals at the All-India Inter-University Championship. In February 2019, the athlete bagged 3 gold medals at Senior National Rhythmic Gymnastics Championship which was held in Punjab. By winning multiple recognitions and medals over the past few years, Palak Kour Bijral raised the name of J&K all over the country. With her international stint in April 2019, the gymnast represented India in the 3rd International Emirates Cup held in Dubai, UAE where she bagged 2 bronze medals.
Bringing laurels for the nation, she said, “It was always a dream to stand at the podium and win medals for India. Winning 2 bronze medals for my country and for Jammu Gymnastics Club will always be one of the most iconic moments of my life. When you work hard for your goal, no storm can stop you to be successful. Over the years, I have failed many times but one thing always ignited in me – to never give up. I will work hard and make my country proud by bringing many medals and recognitions in the future.” Palak Kour Bijral is 23 and at this age, she is the prime example for all the aspiring women athletes of the country.