At the Amrut Mody School of Management (AMSOM), learning extends far beyond textbooks, presentations, and examinations. For MBA student Nishra Shah, the pursuit of excellence in competitive sport has become a powerful source of personal growth, teaching her resilience, discipline, focus, and perseverance. Her journey demonstrates how experiences outside the classroom can complement academic learning and help shape well-rounded future leaders.
This commitment to growth and excellence recently earned Nishra a Gold Medal at the 14th Gujarat State Kudo Tournament 2026-27, held on September 6, 2026, at the Pandit Dindayal Upadhyay Indoor Stadium, Surat. Competing in the Female Above 21-220 PI Senior category and representing Ahmedabad district, she secured first place, marking a significant milestone in her sporting journey.
For Nishra, however, the achievement represents much more than a medal. It is the outcome of years of dedication to KUDO, a mixed martial art that has played an important role in her life. Through rigorous training, competitions, setbacks, injuries, and continuous self-improvement, the sport has instilled values that extend well beyond the mat.
When she began her MBA journey at AMSOM, Nishra faced a challenge familiar to many students: balancing academic aspirations with a demanding personal passion. Managing classes, assignments, presentations, examinations, and competition schedules was not always easy. There were moments when the demands of both worlds tested her ability to stay focused and organised.
Yet rather than competing with one another, academics and sport began to reinforce each other. The discipline developed through KUDO helped her manage her time more effectively, remain consistent in her efforts, and stay composed during challenging periods. At the same time, the confidence and learning gained through her MBA experience strengthened her approach to competition and personal development.
A key factor in this journey has been the supportive environment at Ahmedabad University. The encouragement of the University and the Sports Department enabled Nishra to continue pursuing her passion for competitive sport while progressing academically. This support allowed her to strive for excellence in both arenas without having to choose one over the other.
Her state-level gold medal stands as a testament not only to sporting success but also to the rewards of commitment, perseverance, and balance. More importantly, it highlights an important lesson for students: personal passions and academic goals do not have to exist in isolation. When nurtured together, they can strengthen one another and create opportunities for meaningful growth.
Reflecting on her journey, Nishra believes that some of her most valuable learning has come through experience, whether in the classroom, during training, under pressure, or while overcoming setbacks. Each challenge has contributed to her development and shaped the person she is becoming.
As she puts it: "Sometimes, the best education happens with experience!"
For Nishra, that education continues every day, both as an MBA student and as a champion athlete, embodying the spirit of learning, resilience, and excellence beyond the classroom.