Pranati Nayak, a three-time Asian Championship medallist from Odisha, secured the silver medal in the Vault event at the FIG World Challenge Cup 2026 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Scoring 13.025 in the Vault final, she showcased an impressive performance against tough international competition, marking a significant achievement for Indian gymnastics. Her success underscores her hard work, dedication, and Odisha’s growing prominence in global gymnastics, as highlighted by the Odisha Gymnastics Association.
At 31 years old, Pranati Nayak, who previously won bronze medals in vault at the Asian Championships in 2019, 2022, and 2025, becomes only the third Indian woman gymnast to clinch an international medal, following Dipa Karmakar and Aruna Reddy. Chief coach Ashok Mishra praised Pranati’s accomplishment, emphasizing its importance for Indian gymnastics and its role in inspiring young athletes nationwide. He expressed confidence in her potential for even greater success in the future.
Ashok Sahoo, Honourary Secretary of the Odisha Gymnastics Association, hailed Pranati Nayak’s silver medal at the FIG World Challenge Cup 2026 as a historic moment for Odisha and the entire nation. He lauded her performance as a testament to the rising standards of gymnastics in Odisha and the remarkable capabilities of Indian athletes on the global stage. The association extended warm congratulations to Pranati for her exceptional achievement and wished her continued triumph in upcoming international competitions.
