Chamba: Priyanshi Joshi, a talented athlete from Chamba district in Himachal Pradesh, has made her mark at the Khelo India Youth Games-2025 held in Gaya, Bihar, where she clinched a bronze medal in the Martial Art Thang-Ta competition.
The event took place from May 12 to May 14, 2025, and saw participation from athletes across the country, with 25 states and 128 competitors showcasing their skills.
Priyanshi, competing in the 56 kg weight category, stood out for her exceptional performance, bringing home the bronze and making Chamba proud. The competition was a major sporting event, and her achievement is being hailed as a significant milestone for the district.
Upon her return to Chamba, Priyanshi was warmly welcomed by local residents, members of the Thang-Ta Association and fellow athletes. She was presented with flower garlands as a token of appreciation. Also present at the welcome ceremony was Bhuvaneshwar Katoch, a resident of Mehla village in Chamba, who had contributed to the event as a technical official.
Later, accompanied by the sound of traditional drums, Priyanshi and her supporters made their way to the Deputy Commissioner’s office, where Mukesh Repswal, Deputy Commissioner of Chamba, congratulated her on her outstanding achievement.
Speaking to the media, Priyanshi expressed her immense happiness and pride in representing her city and family on the national stage. “I am extremely glad that I was able to bring honor to my city and family by winning the bronze medal in Thang-Ta. I believe that with the right support, I have the potential to bring home a gold medal in the future,” she said.
However, Priyanshi mentioned that Himachal Pradesh currently lacks sufficient facilities for Thang-Ta training. She urged the government to provide better facilities, stating that with proper infrastructure, she could further improve and achieve even higher success.
Bhuvaneshwar Katoch, Priyanshi’s coach, also made a heartfelt request to the government, urging for the establishment of a dedicated training centre in the region. “I request the government to set up a training facility where children can practice regularly. This will allow more athletes from Chamba to excel and bring glory to Himachal Pradesh in future competitions,” he said.
At the ceremony, Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Repswal expressed his pride in Priyanshi’s achievement, saying, “I am very happy that Priyanshi Joshi from Chamba has earned a bronze medal in Thang-Ta at the Khelo India Youth Games, bringing great honour to the district. I congratulate her and wish her further success. We will consider the requests made by the association, and I assure them that necessary facilities will be provided soon.”
Priyanshi’s success is not only a personal triumph but a testament to the potential of Chamba’s young athletes, showing that with the right support, they can shine on national and international platforms.
Subhash Mahajan
