Shraddha Rangarh: The Self-Taught Kickboxer Who Fought Her Way to World No. 4

Shraddha Rangarh is a 20-year-old kickboxing champion from Faridabad, Haryana. From overcoming financial hardships, gender bias, and lack of support to ranking No. 4 globally, it’s been a long journey. There’s much to learn from her self-taught journey through taekwondo and kickboxing, her social media success, medal-winning performances at national and international championships, and her dream of becoming a world champion in 2025.

A Small-Town Girl with Big Dreams

From the town of Faridabad, Haryana, a young girl dared to dream beyond the ordinary. Shraddha Rangarh grew up in a society where cricket reigns supreme and girls are rarely encouraged to chase sports as a career. Her parents saw education as a privilege, not a right, and sports were far from their vision for her future.

Until Class 6, Shraddha suppressed her love for sports, finding fleeting joy in kabaddi, cricket, and soccer during recess. Her fascination with martial arts, sparked by watching Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan’s stunts, remained a quiet passion. But at 13, a chance encounter changed everything. While playing football at school, a taekwondo coach noticed her powerful kicks and invited her to join his class. This moment ignited a fire that would propel her to the global stage.

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The Spark of Taekwondo and the Birth of a Champion

Shraddha’s entry into taekwondo was her first step into the world of martial arts. As the only girl among 100 boys in her class, she faced scepticism but refused to back down. Her talent shone brightly when she won her first gold medal at the national taekwondo championship organised by CBSE. The very competition that kindled her passion for taking sports full-time.

However, her dreams clashed with her family’s expectations. Despite the opposition, she was determined to carve her path. Taekwondo became her best friend, and from 7th to 12th grade, she competed at national and international levels, collecting medals and building her confidence.

Discovering Kickboxing Through Social Media

At 14, Shraddha’s journey took a new turn when she stumbled upon “tricking” videos on YouTube. Tricking, a blend of kicks, flips, and gymnastics, fascinated her. With no coach or financial support, she taught herself by watching tutorials online. She couldn’t ask her family for help. It forced her to find other ways to learn.

Shraddha saved every penny she earned, including INR 100 from Kanjak during Navratri, to fund her tournament registrations. In 2020, she began posting her training videos on social media to showcase her skills and inspire others who lacked resources. By 16, she had over 1.75 million followers, turning her passion into a source of income through brand deals.

Her social media success caught the attention of Piyush Kumar, co-founder of ART Talent Management. They were looking for talents who needed support to flourish and stumbled upon Shraddha. His firm helped her secure collaborations, manage her social media, and focus on her competitions.

Rising Through the Ranks

Shraddha’s competitive career soared in 2023 when she entered the National Kickboxing Championship and clinched two gold medals. In 2024, she faced an aggressive schedule, competing in the WAKO World Cup in Uzbekistan and the Asian Kickboxing Championship in Cambodia. She trained relentlessly with only three months to prepare, sacrificing rest days. Her routine included five-hour morning sessions, afternoon technical training, and evening sparring or gym workouts.

Her efforts paid off. At the WAKO World Cup, she won one gold medal in the Senior Female Musical Form Hard Style category and three silver medals. At the Asian Championships, she made history as the first Indian to secure multiple medals, earning two golds and two silvers against tough competition from China, the Philippines, Thailand, and Indonesia.

Her dominance continued at the Delhi Open International, where she won two gold medals and 500 euros in musical and creative forms. Standing on the podium, with the Indian national anthem playing, Shraddha felt every hardship fade away.

Breaking Gender Barriers with Every Kick

In a male-dominated sport like kickboxing, Shraddha faced gender bias head-on. Wherever she went, she was judged for being a woman. Comments like “running like a girl” or “fighting like a boy” stung, but she refused to let them define her. She fought boys and defeated them. She points out that “strength comes from training, not gender.” Through her achievements, Shraddha is rewriting the narrative, proving that determination and skill know no gender.

Training and Mindset

Shraddha’s success is rooted in her disciplined routine and mental strength. She trains from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m., balancing college studies during exam periods. Afternoons are for footwork or technical sessions, followed by gym workouts or sparring. She visualises the tournament venue and practices her routine in her mind. This dedication, coupled with manifestation, helps her overcome formidable opponents.

Balancing Education and Family Responsibilities

Despite her packed schedule, Shraddha remains committed to her education and is pursuing an undergraduate degree in the arts. She also supports her younger sister’s college education and covers her family’s living expenses. Her ability to juggle academics, sports, and family responsibilities showcases her maturity beyond her age.

Aiming for World Championship Glory

Shraddha’s eyes are set on the 2025 World Championship, where she hopes to become the first Indian to win gold. So far, no one from India has done it yet. Her 2025 schedule is packed with the Italian World Cup in March, followed by tournaments in Thailand, Turkey, and Uzbekistan.

However, financial challenges loom large. International competitions cost around INR 2 lakhs, with additional fees for extra events. Shraddha actively seeks coaches and sponsors and is particularly hopeful about collaborating with Italian coaches to refine her skills.

A Dream Beyond the Ring

Shraddha’s journey is about more than medals. She wants to inspire others, especially young girls, to chase their dreams despite societal barriers. While she focuses on her athletic career now, she sees herself as a coach in the future, sharing her knowledge with the next generation. India has no talent shortage, but we need better sponsorships and training. She is advocating for systemic changes in Indian kickboxing.

A Legacy in the Making

As she prepares for the 2025 World Championship, Shraddha carries the hopes of a nation. Her journey reminds us that determination is the true mother of all sports. She says, “If everybody goes behind cricket, who will play other sports?” Shraddha Rangarh is the answer, a champion kicking past barriers to claim her place on the world stage.

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