Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, April 7, 2025, Kolkata : Atanu Haldar, a young yoga prodigy from Baidyabati, Hooghly, has made the nation proud by winning two gold medals at the 10th World Yoga Championship held in Hanoi, Vietnam. Born into a family facing extreme poverty, Atanu’s journey to success has been one of sheer determination and resilience. Despite the challenges, he has emerged as a beacon of hope for many, showcasing that dedication can overcome even the most difficult circumstances.
Atanu’s father, Sanjay Haldar, works as a van driver and struggled to make ends meet. Though sending Atanu abroad for such a prestigious competition seemed like an impossible dream, the local community rallied together to support him. Through their combined efforts, they managed to raise the necessary funds to send Atanu to Vietnam, where he competed against 250 participants from 10 different countries.
In the championship, Atanu clinched gold in both the Traditional and Rhythmic Yoga categories, showcasing his exceptional skill and dedication to the discipline. His victory comes as a testament to his hard work and the unwavering support of his family, friends, and the local community.
Atanu, a student of the 11th class arts department at Banamali Mukherjee Institution in Baidyabati, has always had a deep passion for yoga. Despite the financial struggles his family faces, yoga has become his life’s focus, driving him to push through every obstacle. In addition to his recent world championship win, Atanu also participated in the 36th National Yogasana Championship in Medinipur, further proving his commitment to the sport.
Living in an abandoned factory on Dwarik Jungle Road in Baidyabati, Atanu’s circumstances are far from ideal. Yet, it is his spirit and the spiritual and moral support of his school and community that have propelled him to achieve greatness. His goal is to continue representing India on the global stage, hoping to win even more medals in the future.
Atanu’s victory is not just a personal triumph but a testament to the power of community, perseverance, and the unwavering belief that dreams can come true, no matter how challenging the journey may seem.