A dedicated Yoga Practitioner since the age of seven, S. Shahanaa has achieved significant success in her discipline, winning gold medals at the state, district, and zonal level Yoga Asana Sports Championships in 2024. She also earned a National Silver Medal at the CBSE School Games in Maharashtra. She aspires to compete in Khelo India.

The Initiation

A student of Velammal Vidhyalaya, Avadi in Chennai, S. Shahanaa began practicing yoga at the age of seven, when she was in third grade. Her inspiration to pursue yoga came from the senior students at her institution, who not only excelled in the discipline but had also won national medals. Their dedication, hard work, and deep involvement in yoga had a profound impact on her, motivating her to follow in their footsteps and commit herself to the discipline from a young age.

Gurus & Role Models

Shahanaa practices yoga under the expert guidance of her coach, D. Bharat Kumar, a professional trainer at Pragnya Yoga Academy in Avadi, Chennai. She is deeply grateful to her guru for his unwavering support and dedication in helping her achieve her goals. Shahanaa looks up to her institution's seniors and masters as role models, admiring their relentless hard work, commitment, and deep involvement in yoga. Their dedication serves as a constant source of inspiration, motivating her to push her limits and pursue excellence in her practice.

The Talent

Shahanaa considers yoga as an integral part of her life, viewing it as more than just a practice. She describes yoga as an art that creates a deep connection between the body, mind, and soul. She believes that through yoga one can not only build physical strength and flexibility but also achieve mental clarity and inner peace, making it a holistic approach to well-being.

Achievements

Shahanaa has earned numerous medals and trophies in various yoga competitions, and takes great pride in her achievements. In 2024, she won gold medals at the state, district, and zonal level Yoga Asanas Sports Championships. Additionally, she earned a national silver medal at the CBSE School Games in 2024, which took place in Maharashtra at Dhruv Global School, further cementing her reputation as a dedicated and accomplished yoga practitioner.

A Bit More

Shahanaa aspires to compete in Khelo India, and it is a key goal she is determined to achieve in future. She encourages other young athletes to never give up, reminding them that consistent practice leads to perfection, and they should dedicate themselves to daily practice in order to reach their dreams. The quotes that inspire and motivate her are: “Pain is temporary, and pride is forever,” “Don’t give up, believe in yourself and work hard,” and “Hard work never fails.” These words serve as a constant reminder to stay focused, work diligently, and persist in the face of challenges.