Indore’s Vandana Thakur Makes History with Gold at World Bodybuilding Championship in Indonesia

The victory marks a historic milestone as Vandana becomes the first Indian woman to secure a gold medal in women’s bodybuilding at this level. Her achievement follows a silver medal at the 2024 Asian Championship and previous national-level successes, including gold at India’s National competition.

Speaking after her win, Vandana said, “When I went on stage, my only goal was to win for the tricolour. I wanted to hoist India’s flag on the stage. I was ready to do whatever it took to make it happen.”

Vandana attributed her success to rigorous training and unwavering discipline. She follows a strict daily routine, often training for hours even while managing injuries. “Hard work, persistence, and commitment were key to this accomplishment,” she noted.

She also expressed gratitude to her support team, thanking coach Gitanjali Vishwakarma along with mentors Atul Malikram, Neha Gaur, and Swami Ramesh for their guidance and encouragement.

Beyond her sporting achievements, Vandana serves as the brand ambassador for the Indore Swachhta Abhiyan, reflecting her commitment to public service alongside professional excellence.

Her triumph is expected to inspire greater participation of Indian women in international bodybuilding competitions and highlights the growing presence of India on the global sports stage. Vandana’s gold not only underscores her personal dedication but also represents a landmark moment for Indian women athletes in a traditionally male-dominated sport.