SCALING HEIGHTS

Shreya Nankar, a 22-year-old from Pune, has excelled in wall climbing and academics, earning over 40 medals in national competitions while pursuing her master’s degree at Arizona University, USA. Recently honoured with the Shiv Chhatrapati Award, she continues to inspire with her exceptional achievements.

- MILINDEDHAMDHERE,

At just 22, Pune’s Shreya Nankar has made a name for herself on the wall-climbing circuit and in academics. This multi-talented athlete has secured over 40 medals in national wall climbing competitions and is pursuing a master’s degree at Arizona University, USA. Shreya’s remarkable achievements have earned her the prestigious Shiv Chhatrapati Award for adventure sports, recognising her as one of Maharashtra’s finest athletes.

Since the start of her career in wall climbing, Shreya has consistently represented Maharashtra in national-level competitions, clinching nearly two dozen gold medals. She has also proudly represented India in the Asian Games and several international events, showcasing her skills on the global stage. Her versatility extends beyond wall climbing, as she excels in natural rock climbing, swimming, and Kathak dance, and even speaks fluent German.

Interestingly, Shreya’s sporting journey began in competitive swimming during her school days, where she won several district-level medals. However, her passion for wall climbing was sparked by her father, an avid trekker, who encouraged her to explore the sport when she was just seven. She began training under coach Amol Jogdand at the Raje Shivaji Climbing Wall inShivaji Nagar, Pune.

Shreya’s expertise spans various climbing disciplines, including lead climbing, speed climbing, and bouldering. Each of these categories presents unique challenges, requiring athletes to master different skills such as speed, strength, and endurance. Her dedication to honing these abilities has been key to her success in this demanding sport.

Shreya Nankar’s story is a testament to the power of determination and balance, excelling in both sports and academics while inspiring young athletes to pursue their dreams relentlessly.

Early breakthrough