Celebrating A Woman Athlete’s Journey of Resilience and Perseverance at Ahmedabad University

An athlete's journey from being a national-level swimmer to discovering her passion for triathlons is replete with challenges, including injuries, financial hurdles, and the struggle for recognition in a country where cricket dominates. This journey presents countless lessons in how resilience and perseverance can assist one in making history, and the one who has exemplified this is Pragnya Mohan, India's top-ranked triathlete, future Olympian, and South Asian Games gold medallist.

The VentureStudio at Ahmedabad University recently hosted Pragnya Mohan, bringing together students, entrepreneurs, and change-makers in an engaging fireside chat. The inspiring founder of Ek Beti, Ek Cycle, Pragnya's journey is one of breaking barriers—she is not only India's highest-ranked triathlete but also a chartered accountant and the first Indian triathlete to compete in the World Cup. Beyond her athletic feats, she is making a significant social impact through Ek Beti, Ek Cycle, a nonprofit initiative that provides bicycles to underprivileged girls, ensuring they stay in school and pursue their dreams.

A highlight of the event was Pragnya's discussion on Ek Beti, Ek Cycle. The initiative collects and refurbishes donated bicycles, providing them to girls in rural areas who face difficulties commuting to school. Last year alone, the project empowered 587 girls in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, and this year, they aim to support 1,000 girls while expanding into Pune. Besides, the programme also trains the girls in basic cycle maintenance and road safety, ensuring their long-term independence and mobility. Pragnya shared touching stories of young girls who, after receiving a bicycle, were able to continue their education and even pursue extracurricular activities that were previously inaccessible.

The interactive session, held in celebration of Women's Day, apprised attendees of her rigorous training regimen as she prepares for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. From 6 AM swim sessions to 80 km cycling routines, Pragnya's dedication and discipline inspired the audience. She detailed her experience training internationally, working with world-class coaches, and adapting to different race conditions.

The evening concluded with an engaging Q&A session, where attendees inquired about sports culture in India, the government's role in athlete support, and the importance of resilience in overcoming setbacks. Some asked about her toughest races, how she stays motivated during gruelling training sessions, and what it takes to compete internationally. Others were curious about how they could contribute to Ek Beti, Ek Cycle. Pragnya encouraged everyone to get involved, emphasising that even small contributions can make a huge difference in a young girl's life.

The event proved to be a powerful convergence of sports, sustainability, and the spirit of entrepreneurship, emanating the spirit of collaboration and empowerment.

VentureStudio, through such events, aims to foster impactful discussions and support changemakers like Pragnya Mohan. If you're passionate about innovation, sustainability, and social entrepreneurship, we invite you to explore our incubation programmes and be part of a thriving ecosystem. Learn more at ahduni.edu.in/vs​​​​​.