When Namrata Batra stood on the podium in Chengdu this summer, silver medal around her neck, it was more than a personal triumph. It was a breakthrough moment for Indian Wushu at the 2025 World Games. But her story began years earlier in a dusty akhada in Indore.
How Traditional Roots Powered a Global Breakthrough
Namrata’s training in the akhada was anything but glamorous. Wooden dandas, floor routines on mud, and weapon-based martial art forms like Banethi and Shastra Kala were her daily regimen. These weren’t drills from a national sports manual—they were traditions passed down through generations. Just as traditional combat arts still find relevance today, platforms like live casino Bangladesh show how deeply rooted experiences can merge with modern formats. In addition to offering up to a 100% bonus on first deposits (up to 180,000 BDT), the platform provides real-time casino games, interactive tables, and live chat support—offering users an immersive and community-driven experience.
Namrata’s performances quickly gathered attention beyond the akhada.
Her story rests on several key pillars:
- Foundation: Early training in the Annapurna akhada of Indore built exceptional core strength.
- Mentorship: Coach Jatav recognized her balance and timing early on.
- Cultural pride: Despite modern exposure, she remained grounded in local traditions.
- Adaptability: Transitioned from akhada-style fighting to professional sanda formats.
After these foundational experiences, digital platforms became an important part of how regional athletes gained nationwide attention. One such example is the MelBet APP, which is tailored for Bangladeshi users. The app includes live betting on over 1,000 daily sports events, casino games, and real-time updates—ensuring fans can stay connected to both global and regional sporting moments.
It allowed sports fans across the country to stay connected with achievements like Namrata’s, bridging the gap between local and national recognition.
Breakdown of Her 2025 World Games Performance
At the Chengdu edition of the 2025 World Games, Namrata competed in the women’s 52kg sanda event—a full-contact discipline in Wushu that demands quick reflexes and tremendous stamina. She stormed through the brackets, defeating Lebanon’s Barbara El Rassi and the Philippines’ Krizan Faith Collado with clean 2-0 victories, as detailed in the Olympics coverage.
In the final, she faced China’s Mengyue Chen, an experienced fighter backed by home support. Though Namrata lost 0-2, the silver medal was a historic first for India in Wushu at the World Games.
| Match Stage | Opponent | Outcome |
| Quarterfinal | Barbara El Rassi (Lebanon) | 2-0 Win |
| Semifinal | Krizan Faith Collado (Philippines) | 2-0 Win |
| Final | Mengyue Chen (China) | 0-2 Loss |
This medal not only validated her journey but also opened doors for other athletes from non-urban setups in India.
Overcoming Injury and Societal Pressure
The ascent was not without bumps. In 2022, Namrata sustained a ligament tear that took her off the mat for almost eight months. On top of that, Namrata was under major pressure from more conservative members of her family (mainly older family members) who disapproved of her clothing choices and of being in public view.
But she persevered. Her mother, silently encouraged, made sure Namrata went to rehabilitation. After the recovery, her time at SAI Guwahati training national camps got her back to form and allowed her to qualify for international competitions.
Changing the Narrative for Indian Women in Martial Arts
Namrata’s silver medal is symbolic of a broader shift. More Indian women are entering combat sports, breaking away from stereotypes and demanding equal space. Here’s what her win represents:
- Role Model Effect: Young girls from smaller towns see a real pathway in martial arts.
- Policy-Level Changes: Government schemes like Khelo India are expected to include more Wushu-specific incentives.
- Cultural Shift: The akhada is no longer just a boys’ zone. It’s a space for future champions.
According to recent reports, her next aim is gold at the Asian Games. The Indian federation is already planning extended exposure tours and more investment in women’s combat sports training.
A New Era of Women Warriors
Namrata Batra has ignited something bigger than herself. Her journey from a dusty akhada to the World Games podium is not just about medals—it’s about challenging the norm and forging new possibilities, as highlighted in this Times of India feature.
She’s training harder now, spending time at national camps, and setting her sights on the Asian Games and potentially the 2026 World Wushu Championships. For every girl who was told martial arts isn’t her place, Namrata is a living answer.
Namrata didn’t just win silver—she cracked a ceiling. And if her journey is anything to go by, the gold might not be too far behind.
