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India Today
4 days ago
- Sport
- India Today
Fencing sisters Jyotika and Rishika turn grit and guts into global recognition
In a quiet rooftop in Jammu and Kashmir during the Covid-19 lockdown, Rishika Khajuria fenced against shadows. With no coach at hand and no proper piste underfoot, she drilled her footwork between boundary walls, her sabre cutting arcs through the miles away in Rohru, a small town in the hills of Himachal Pradesh, Jyotika Dutta was already a veteran of the national circuit. Her path to the sport began at 13, when a cousin introduced her to fencing, which is late by international standards, but early compared to Rishika, who started at had gone from those first awkward bouts to the quarter-finals of the Asian Games, over 20 medals at senior and junior nationals, and a place at the National Institute of Sports in Patiala. They are, in many ways, at opposite ends of the same piste. Rishika, 25, is a rising sabre specialist from a region that is producing a steady stream of national-level fencers. Jyotika, 29, is one of Himachal Pradesh's few elite fencers, carrying the dual burden of competing internationally and creating awareness back first encounter with fencing was almost accidental. She was interested when her neighbour practised the sport.'I was excited to see it. Once I tried it, I thought I should do this,' she tells her entry at age 19 drew scepticism. 'Everyone was like, 'You can't do this, don't waste time.' Fencing requires so many basic skills like footwork, and I wasn't good at that in the beginning.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rishika Khajuria (@rishikakhajuria)Jyotika nods at the challenge of starting late. 'I started when I was 13, but that's still late. In other countries, they start at five. It's much like gymnastics.'For Rishika, the doubts became will pushed her to get better during the Covid-19 lockdowns.'It was just me and my inner voice against the rest,' she says. 'I wanted to do it at any cost. So, I did it.'The majority of people around me told me I can't. That stoked me. I thought, 'I have to prove them wrong.' Even after my first medal, some said I was lucky. I showed them it wasn't luck. It was my hard work. Now they've realised I've done it.'MAJOR RECOGNITIONIn July this year, Under Armour, the US-based sportswear giant, added Jyotika Dutta and Rishika Khajuria to its roster of athletes. For a niche sport still fighting for mainstream attention in India, it was a rare recognition has been sweeter for its scarcity. 'It feels great I have been recognised by a global brand (Under Armour). I feel so special connecting with them. When I look back at 2019 and now, it feels great,' Rishika, who competed in the World University Games in Germany in July, says. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rishika Khajuria (@rishikakhajuria)THE STEADY GROWTHFor both Jyotika and Rishika, CA Bhavani Devi's breakthrough was more than symbolic — it made their career paths feel fencing has existed since the 1970s, but its modern momentum owes much to Bhavani, who became the first Indian fencer to qualify for the Olympics in 2021. Though she missed Paris 2024 by the narrowest of margins, her run at the Games and her medals at the Commonwealth Games and Asian Championships have sparked unprecedented grassroots interest. Participation at nationals has grown by over 50 per cent in recent years, and the government has recognised the potential of the sport, offering training at Sports Authority of India (SAI) centres in Patiala, Kerala, Assam, and beyond now boast better facilities and equipment.A sport that was only limited to a few states in India is now spreading its wings. At the Nationals in 2023, fencers from 29 states competed.'After Bhavani went to the Olympics, there has been a lot of improvement,' says haven't reached the stage where fencing is a sustainable career option. But we're getting there. It's still lagging behind when compared to Europe. The training facilities are also getting better, but not at European level. Sports Authority of India runs the majority of the fencing centres. There are small clubs elsewhere. But I think we need more centres and clubs that teach fencing in many more cities and towns.'For Jyotika personally, the journey has been marked by peaks and valleys. 'I have seen a lot of highs and lows throughout my career. I was No. 1 at one point. But I had to deal with injuries. But I bounced back. I didn't quit. I am doing great.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jyotika Dutta (@dutta_jyotika)Meanwhile, Rishika has watched her home state transform. 'In Jammu and Kashmir, there is a boom. Quite a few children come daily to join the sport. There were seniors from there who did well at national and international level. Then I came. I am doing well. Parents come and they want their children to pursue this sport. There is change.'advertisementIS FENCING COMPLEX?For the uninitiated, fencing can be a bit bewildering. It's been part of the Olympics since the very first Games, yet its technicalities can be hard to follow.'We have three events in fencing,' Jyotika explains. 'I fence EPee, Rishika does Sabre, and the third is Foil. Each has different target areas. In pe, it's the entire body. In Sabre, it's the upper body, arms, head, and back. In Foil, it's from the shoulders to the waist and the back.'She adds: 'It's all electric now — we wear body wires, electric jackets, and masks connected to a computer. When you touch an opponent, you get a red or green light on the screen. In pe, you score with the point of the blade, which has a button at the tip. It needs a pressure of 500 to 700 grams to register the touch.'FENCING IS LIKE CHESSRishika describes her event with pride. 'Sabre is the most furious and fastest format. The target is the upper body. Inside the electric jacket, there is a wire that is connected to the apparatus. Fencing is like mental chess.'You only get a second to think and respond to what the opponent is doing. You need quick reflexes and the ability to decide quickly. Fencing is faster than the start of a racing car. It's the second-fastest event in the Olympics. Sabre is the fastest in the sport.'advertisementCAN'T GET ANGRYWhile reflexes must be razor-sharp, the mind has to be sharper still. Physical training builds the body, but mental edge comes from drills designed to hone concentration.'Meditation, specific mind-control exercises, and reaction drills,' says Rishika.'For my event, I have to be patient, so I train for that — a lot of watching my opponent. To compete at the highest level, I need to understand their style before I even step on the piste.'Managing emotions is just as crucial. One flash of temper can undo a bout.'In a combat sport, it's easy to get angry,' Rishika says. 'But if you get worked up, you'll lose. When we started, we used to get upset — say if someone hit your helmet. Now, you have to control your body, stay calm yet keep your movements and reflexes fast.'SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCER?For Rishika, social media is a way to bridge fencing's visibility gap. The 25-year-old is also a fitness enthusiast and content creator, using her platform to inspire and engage audiences through sports and wellness.'Since fencing in India is a new sport, we don't get a lot of sponsors. So, it's important for us to get attention through social media. That's the plan.'The Under Armour deal is proof that their persistence is paying off — a rare global nod for two women from small towns making a mark in an elite, demanding now trains with her eyes on the next Asian Games. Rishika is fresh off her stint — a learning experience -- from the World University Games. Between them, they represent different stages of India's fencing journey: one in a state still awakening to the sport, the other in a region where participation is the piste, those differences vanish. There, it is just two athletes armed with blades, reflexes, and the will to keep proving themselves. And in doing so, carving a sharper, surer path for Indian fencing.- Ends
India Gazette
11-07-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
Neeraj Chopra hails next generation of Indian athletes, including CWG medalist Tejaswin
Gurugram (Haryana) [India], July 11 (ANI): India's world champion and Tokyo 2020 gold medalist javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra heaped praise on young athletes Tejaswin Shankar, Jay Shah and fencers Rishika Khajuria, Jyotika Dutta and lauded them for their 'dedication and talent'. Tejaswin is the international decathlete who holds the National Record and specialises in the high jump. He is India's first-ever high jump medallist at the Commonwealth Games, securing a bronze medal at Hangzhou back in 2023. Jay is an All India University record holder in the triple jump, with 16.36 m. Rishika and Jyotika are national-level medalists. An Indian sabre fencer from Jammu, Rishikha is currently representing India on the international stage. She has competed at elite platforms like the World Championships and the World University Games and is currently preparing for the 2025 World University Games in Germany. A standout performer on the national circuit, Rishika is the 2024 Inter-University Gold Medallist and Senior National Silver Medallist, with multiple podium finishes at national-level competitions. Jyotika is a professional sabre fencer from Rohru, Himachal Pradesh, currently training at the prestigious National Institute of Sports (NIS), Patiala. She has proudly represented India twice at the Asian Games, reaching the quarterfinals both times, and continues to be one of the country's most consistent performers in fencing. Domestically, she has won over 20 medals across Senior and Junior National Championships. Jay is a two-time All India Universities National Record holder in the Triple Jump, he has consistently proven his dominance at the university level. Jay proudly represented India at the 2019 World University Games in Naples, Italy. In addition to his achievements in jumps, he has earned multiple national medals in the 200m sprint and 100m relay, showcasing his versatility and speed on the track. Speaking at the event held by Under Armour, where these athletes were signed by the brand, Neeraj said, 'Tejaswin, Jay, Jyotika, and Rishika have shown incredible dedication and talent, and I'm confident they'll inspire many more athletes across India. Together, we are proving that with hard work and belief, underdogs can achieve greatness.' Tushar Goculdas, Managing Director, Underdog Athletics, exclusive India distributor and licensee of Under Armour added, 'We have always stood for the underdog -- for those who train in silence, show up with grit, and let their performance speak the loudest. Neeraj Chopra embodies that mindset, and today, we are proud to welcome four promising athletes who carry that same fire.' Speaking to ANI at the event, Neeraj also opened up on several topics, ranging from his approach to the javelin throw world record after touching the 90-m, and his preparations for the upcoming World Athletics Championships. Speaking about the possibility of touching the 95-m mark, Neeraj told ANI, 'I believe in going step-by-step. I have touched 90 m now, so I would like to increase it by one or two metres. Then aim for 95 m. As Sumit (Antil) said, 95 m is indeed possible. Then, after that, I would try breaking my coach's record.' After his win at the Paris Diamond League meet recently, Neeraj had said about breaking his coach Jan Zelezny's record, ' He has thrown 98m, and so many over 90. Maybe once I hit 95m, then I can start to say something - but right now, I need to keep working,' he said. With Zelenzy in his corner, who holds the world record in men's javelin throw with 98.48 m effort in 1996, Neeraj touched the 90 m for the first time in his career as he came second at the Doha Diamond League in May. It put an end to years of media discussion and hype around Neeraj touching the coveted mark. But he came second at the event, with Germany's Julian Weber touching 91.06 m. Neeraj touched a stupendous 90.23 metres. Earlier, in an interview with ANI, Para-athletic javelin thrower and double Paralympics gold medalist Antil had backed Neeraj to go beyond the 90-m and touch 95-m.'As an athlete, it is not far for Neeraj to cross 95 meters. His technique is very good. I have been following him since 2017, when I joined Parasports and did a javelin throw as a game. I have seen positive changes in his run-up and other things,' said Antil. Speaking on his preparations to defend the title at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo this year, Neeraj said, 'I am preparing well for it and I hope to give my level best there. It is the biggest and most important competition of the year. Will continue preparing well for it.' The World Athletics Championships will be held in Tokyo from 13-21 September 2025. If Neeraj wins the title, he could become the first Indian to defend his crown. Any other coloured medal would make it a hat-trick of medals at the marquee event, first-ever by an Indian, having won the silver medal back in 2022 before following it with a historic gold at Budapest. On his partnership with coach Zelezny, Neeraj said that they are doing some technical work together, and he is happy with his training so far.'We are trying to follow the javelin and do not fall towards the left much. I want to implement all this in my competitions,' he added. Speaking on the importance of a player's gear, clothes and shoes, Neeraj said, 'It is important. You should get comfort and quality. It keeps you injury-free. You get support in your performance as well.' Chopra took the top honours in the inaugural edition of the Neeraj Chopra Classic, a competition named after him at Sri Kanteerava Outdoor Stadium in Bengaluru recently on Saturday. The reigning javelin throw champion stood triumphant with 86.18m in a competition named after him. Kenya's Julius Yego notched up his season best and settled for second with 84.51m. Sri Lanka's Rumesh Pathirage claimed the third position with a best throw of 84.34m. While some athletes came close to challenging Neeraj's supremacy, the Indian's finesse remained unmatched by the end of the tournament. Even though it was not another 90m outing for the 27-year-old, he stamped his authority by conquering the challenge that he encountered and ensured that he continued to stay inside the top two since June 26, 2021. He has had a fine season so far in 2025. Neeraj kickstarted with a win at the Potch Invitational in Potchefstroom, South Africa, in April and followed it up with a very special second-place finish at Doha Diamond League, where he crossed the 90-metre mark for the first time ever, with a throw of 90.23 m. He also went on to secure a second spot in the Janusz Kusocinski Memorial in Poland later that month and resumed his winning ways with back-to-back titles at Paris Diamond League and Ostrava Golden Spike this month, with best efforts of 88.16 m and 85.29 m. Most recently came his NC Classic triumph in front of his home crowd. (ANI)
Time of India
13-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Hyderabad student overcomes family tragedy, clears class 10 CBSE exam
Hyderabad: Rishika Jakkula , a class 10 student, had to juggle academics with handling her younger siblings after her father was hospitalised with liver failure — just before her pre-board examinations. The 15-year-old said it was one of the toughest phases of her life, as her father spent nearly four months in the hospital before succumbing to liver failure in December. "A day before my Maths pre-board-1 exam, my dad was rushed to the hospital. Until then, he had been healthy. But our lives changed that day when he was diagnosed with a liver problem, which later progressed to liver failure," Rishika told TOI. Rishika recalled that she could never forget those days as she had to take responsibility of her younger siblings — who are in class 8 and class 5. "I had to take care of all their needs — cook meals, pack their lunch, get them ready, and send them to school before I left for mine," she said she used to have panic attacks even during exams because of her father's condition. "We were going through a lot, including financial problems. It affected my concentration and performance in academics. Still, I am happy that I managed to clear my class 10 exams," she said, adding that she aspires to become a software engineer so that her family no longer has to struggle mother, Vanitha, said she never had to step out for work until now and is worried about how the family will survive. "So far, we have been surviving on savings and help extended by relatives. Now, I will have to find work so that my children and I can survive," she added.
Time of India
13-05-2025
- Time of India
Rottweiler mauls infant to death in Ahmedabad after slipping from owner's grip
AHMEDABAD: A four-month-old baby girl named Rishika died after being attacked by a pet Rottweiler in Radhe Residency, near Hathijan Circle. The incident occurred on Monday night around 9.00 to 9.30pm. CCTV footage revealed the horrifying attack, where the dog escaped from its owner's grip and attacked a woman and the infant. According to witnesses, a young woman brought her pet Rottweiler outside while speaking on her phone. During this time, the dog slipped from her hand and charged at another woman—Rishika's aunt, who was holding baby Rishika. The dog pulled the infant from her arms and bit her severely. Both the woman and the baby were rushed to the hospital, where the child was declared dead on arrival. The baby, Rishika, daughter of Ajit Dabhi, was taken out by her maternal aunt for a walk when the incident took place. The society residents expressed deep anger and filed a complaint at Vivekanandnagar Police Station, demanding strict action. Residents stated this is not the first time such an incident occurred in the society. Earlier complaints were made about the dog's aggressive behaviour. They also mentioned that the dog owner does not have proper registration or safety measures in place. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like "No.1 Swing Trader Mr. Hemant Reveals His Winning Strategy for Free! TradeWise Learn More Undo Rishika's uncle, Raju Dabhi , told police that this was the third or fourth time the dog acted aggressively. He demanded strict punishment for the dog owner, citing gross negligence that led to the infant's death. Inspector HN Baria of Vivekanandnagar police said that the girl's parents, though they demanded strict action, initially withdrew from conducting the post-mortem of the girl and said that they would not file any police complaint. 'We have been trying to convince them to lodge a complaint in the case, and if it is needed, we would exhume the body in the presence of the mamlatdar for post-mortem and to initiate further legal proceedings,' said Baria. Baria said that he was in contact with the deceased's father, who works with a private company, for further action. Cops also knew that the owner had the dog for some time, but they did not reveal the dog owner's name.
Channel Post MEA
13-05-2025
- Business
- Channel Post MEA
Appknox Targets 5x GCC Growth with Strong Regional Push and New StoreKnox Launch
Rishika Mehrotra, Chief Strategy Officer at Appknox, is spearheading the company's aggressive growth strategy from her base in Dubai, focusing on scaling operations across the GCC region and globally. Appknox, a leading mobile application security company, provides an automated security testing platform that helps organizations secure their mobile apps throughout the software development lifecycle (SDLC). With cybersecurity risks rising, especially in mobile ecosystems, Appknox is responding to market demands with innovative solutions. A major milestone for the company is the recent launch of StoreKnox, a post-deployment monitoring tool that detects fake apps and scans for malware across app marketplaces. This addition complements Appknox's pre-deployment security tools and positions it as a full-spectrum mobile app security provider. Looking ahead to 2025, Appknox is targeting 5x growth in the GCC and 3x global growth, powered by its two-tier distribution model. The company works closely with master distributor Bulwark and more than 100 partners across the GCC. This partner-first approach includes regular technical enablement, joint marketing campaigns, and shared market intelligence to strengthen ecosystem capabilities. The GCC's tightening regulatory environment is a key growth driver. Increasing compliance requirements and rising cybersecurity threats are pushing enterprises and governments to adopt more advanced mobile security measures. Recognizing this, Appknox is expanding into new markets like Oman and Egypt, with a special focus on government contracts. Rishika notes that as governments introduce stricter cybersecurity frameworks, the demand for robust, end-to-end mobile security across the SDLC is surging. Appknox's scalable platform, regional presence, and commitment to partner empowerment position it well to capitalize on this momentum and deliver secure mobile experiences at scale. 0 0
