Life Adlakha is the number one member of the Indian rhythmic gymnastics team. And her story deserves to be a movie.
Adlakha found her way into rhythmic gymnastics accidently, she was taking her younger sister to a health fitness class, and one day, the coach invited her to participate. She immediately fell in love with the classes and decided that she would continue training, although there were no plans of serious sport involvement. Adlakha's hometown, Gurugram, does not have a professional sports school.
But that was no deterrent for the young girl. Adlakha began to train by watching rhythmic gymnastics video lessons. Interestingly, the gymnast considers Alina Kabaeva to be her first coach, she liked watching her performances over and over again, best of all. “She is incredible, a fantastically flexible gymnast. That element of hers, when she throws her leg over her chin, shocked me. Watching her is always an insane pleasure,” Adlakha said.
Adlakha's parents supported their daughter's enthusiasm and set up a gym for her on the roof of their house. The only equipment she had there were gymnastic mats and plastic maces. She trained on her own, without a coach, but she worked very hard and was quite disciplined.
In 2021, Adlakha got the opportunity to take part in the Indian Khelo Harayana state tournament. She won gold in the ribbon, ball and team all-around events.
In 2022, the 16-year-old gymnast participated at the Sky Grace tournament in Russia, placing 13th.
In March 2023, Adlakha, along with other Indian gymnasts, arrived at the Sky Grace Academy training camp. The gymnast has set personal goals for her time here - to improve her physical fitness, improve programs and thoroughly prepare for the Asian Games, held in October 2023 in China.