Pune’s Young Rhythmic Gymnasts Represent India at 22nd Junior Asian Championship 2026
By Ketaki Latkar
Pune, 6th June 2026: Making the city proud on the international stage, two talented young rhythmic gymnasts from Pune, Aarohi Takale (13) and Ritika Ingalgaonkar (14), represented India at the 22nd Junior Asian Rhythmic Gymnastics Championship 2026, held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, from May 23 to May 26.
Aarohi, a student of Millennium National School, and Ritika, who studies at Kalmadi High School, were part of the Indian contingent comprising four junior gymnasts, three senior gymnasts, two coaches, and one international judge.
Competing against some of Asia’s finest young athletes, Aarohi delivered an impressive performance in the Club apparatus, securing an outstanding 10th position internationally. Ritika represented India in the Ribbon apparatus under the junior category.
Their selection for the prestigious championship was based on the All India Junior Ranking Trials held at the Balewadi Sports Complex in Pune in February 2026. Aarohi emerged as the National Rank 1 gymnast, while Ritika secured National Rank 4, earning their places in the Indian team.
Both athletes train at Alacrity Sports School, Sanmitra Sangh, Kothrud, under the expert guidance of coaches Madhura Tambe and Kalyani Tambe. Their years of disciplined training, perseverance, and dedication have culminated in this remarkable international achievement.
Aarohi has been practicing rhythmic gymnastics since the age of eight and has won more than 100 medals across national, state, district, and city-level competitions. Ritika, who has trained in the sport for the last nine years, has an equally impressive record with approximately 116 medals to her name across various levels of competition. She had also represented India at the Junior World Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships 2025 held in Sofia, Bulgaria.
The achievements of Aarohi Takale and Ritika Ingalgaonkar not only highlight their exceptional talent and hard work but also underscore Pune’s growing stature as a nurturing ground for sporting excellence. Their success has brought immense pride to the city and serves as an inspiration for aspiring young athletes across the country.
