In an exclusive conversation with The Pioneer, Naisha Bajaj, Telangana’s rising kickboxing star, opens up about her journey from a curious four-year-old in martial arts to a decorated champion on international and national stages.
VAISHNAVI TIKKA
Naisha Bajaj’s journey in martial arts is a story of passion, perseverance and purpose. What started as an after-school activity in 2014 has grown into an illustrious career, earning her gold medals on national and international stages. A trailblazer in kickboxing, Naisha has not only defied the odds but also paved the way for women in this male-dominated sport. Her dedication, resilience and vision to elevate the sport of kickboxing in Telangana and India make her an inspiring figure for aspiring athletes.
“Kickboxing started as a way to stay active, but today, it defines who I am,” says Naisha. From winning championships to advocating for government recognition and better support for athletes, her journey is a testament to the power of hard work and unrelenting determination.
“I started kickboxing when my mother enrolled me in Taekwondo at the age of four. By seven, I switched to kickboxing, and it has since become a big part of my life.”
Naisha comes from a supportive family. Her father is a software engineer, and her mother, from a business background, has been her biggest cheerleader. “My parents have always valued physical fitness,” she explains. “My mother, in particular, has been especially supportive. She paid for my training and accompanied me to classes, waiting patiently during every session. Her support has been crucial to my journey.”
Naisha has competed in numerous international and national championships, earning gold medals at every level. Her first significant victory came at the Telangana State Kickboxing Championship in Mahbubnagar in 2022. She went on to dominate other state-level championships in Jadcherla, Wanaparthy and Warangal.
Her achievements extend to the global stage as well. She clinched gold medals at the Indian International Kickboxing Championships in New Delhi (2022 and 2024), the Khelo India Women’s Kickboxing League in Hyderabad (2023) and the National Kickboxing Championship in Goa (2024).
Currently in her second year of intermediate studies, Naisha competes in the senior Full-Contact Kickboxing category. “Balancing school and training is challenging, but kickboxing has taught me discipline and resilience,” she says. Training under the guidance of coach Suresh Patil at Iskimos Academy, Naisha continues to refine her skills.
What began as an after-school activity has evolved into a way of life. “Martial arts started as something to keep me active after school but now, it’s more than a hobby—it’s a way of life. Kickboxing has made me resilient and disciplined.”
She attributes her mental and physical strength to the rigorous training and challenges she has faced over the years. Even an injury didn’t deter her spirit. “The injury wasn’t because of kickboxing; it was an accident. The recovery was painful in the first month, but I kept going to training. Kickboxing made the process easier, as it helped me stay focused and in the flow.”
Naisha’s ambitions go beyond personal accolades. She dreams of representing Telangana and India on larger platforms, but she also recognises the systemic challenges athletes like her face. One significant hurdle is the lack of government recognition for kickboxing in Telangana.
Naisha Bajaj, a decorated kickboxer from Telangana, is not just a champion in the ring but also a passionate advocate for the recognition and growth of kickboxing in her state. With multiple gold medals in national and international competitions, her ambition stretches beyond personal accolades—she wants to inspire young athletes and bring systemic change to the sport.
“I would like to represent Telangana and India,” Naisha declares with determination. Her advice to aspiring athletes reflects her resilient mindset: “Be mentally prepared for setbacks, challenges, and financial constraints. Never give up.”
For Naisha, the journey to the top has not been without its struggles. She openly acknowledges the financial hurdles that many athletes like her face. “Not everyone comes from a wealthy background,” she says. “For me, it has always been a challenge, but I managed to cope with that.”
Despite these constraints, she has continued to excel, proving that passion and perseverance can overcome even the toughest obstacles.
One of the most significant challenges for kickboxers in Telangana is the lack of government recognition for the sport. This, she explains, has far-reaching consequences.
“The Telangana government does not recognize kickboxing as a sport,” she laments. “Because of this, all the kickboxers in Telangana are denied government jobs under sports quotas.”
The lack of official acknowledgment not only deprives athletes of career opportunities but also limits the growth of kickboxing as a sport in the state.
Despite these setbacks, kickboxing enjoys a strong following in Telangana. “The state has 10,000 kickboxers. Out of these, 700 to 1,000 are actively competing,” she reveals
This vibrant community demonstrates the potential for the sport to flourish if given the right support. Naisha strongly believes that increased recognition and resources could unlock this potential.
Going ahead, she points to the latest developments in Andhra Pradesh as an example of what Telangana could achieve with better policies. “The Andhra Pradesh government recently increased their sports budget and revised their sports policy to include more disciplines,” she notes. “Telangana should follow similar steps. We need better policies, training facilities, and financial support to attract more talent and encourage participation.”
Naisha sees a brighter future for kickboxing if systemic changes are implemented. “More funds for kickboxing will drive more people toward the sport,” she asserts.
Her journey, marked by resilience and an unyielding spirit, serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes. At the same time, her advocacy highlights the need for greater government support for non-mainstream sports like kickboxing.
Through her achievements and efforts, Naisha Bajaj is not only making her mark as a champion but also paving the way for a better future for kickboxing in Telangana and India.
