From losing her father at age 9 to securing 100m gold at KIUG, Keerthana’s journey a tale of stubborn perseverance

Every athlete has a moment that defines everything they've fought for.

- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE

For Keerthana, that moment came in Jaipur, where the Udupi-born sprinter clocked 11.94 seconds to win the women's 100m gold at the Khelo India University Games Rajasthan 2025, a triumph that was years in the making.

Now a second-year Master of Commerce student at Jain University, Keerthana delivered the University's first gold medal outside the swimming pool, stamping her arrival as one of the most exciting young sprinters on the circuit. But behind the bright finish on the track lies a story of personal setbacks and stubborn perseverance.