Small town, big dreams: Nahan’s Naman shines with International TT gold
In the quiet town of Nahan, nestled in the misty hills of Sirmaur district in Himachal Pradesh, dreams often take flight against the odds. It is here, amidst winding streets and simple beginnings, that 17-year-old Naman Bhatnagar first dared to dream of standing on an international podium. Today, that dream gleams brighter than ever.
On Sunday evening, under the bright lights of Kathmandu, Naman scripted history. Teaming up with Tamil Nadu’s Suresh Rajparsh, he clinched the under-19 men’s doubles gold medal at the prestigious South Asian Regional Youth Table Tennis Championship, defeating the host nation Nepal in a spirited final by a 3-1 margin. In a tournament featuring six fiercely competitive South Asian nations, India’s flag was hoisted high — and at its heart was a young boy from Himachal who believed that determination could transcend every limitation.
For Naman, this was no ordinary victory. It was his first international gold medal, a symbol of years of perseverance, resilience and sacrifice. Having earlier secured a bronze at the World Table Tennis Tournament in Egypt (Under-15 category), Naman’s golden moment in Nepal is not just a personal triumph, but a stirring reminder that talent nurtured with love and relentless hard work knows no barriers.
His journey is a tale of grit seldom told. As a child barely 7 or 8 years old, Naman didn’t have access to professional academies or renowned coaches. Instead, a humble table tennis board, installed by his father inside their home, became his training ground. His coaches were YouTube videos; his lessons came from observing champions across the world through a small screen. Day after day, stroke by stroke, he crafted his own destiny, often practicing late into the night — with dreams far bigger than the walls that confined him.
Despite limited resources, Naman never allowed circumstances to define his aspirations. After his initial schooling at Carmel Convent School, Nahan, he moved beyond his hometown, seeking better training and exposure. Today, he sharpens his skills at the Khelo India Academy, Nagrota, training among the country’s finest young athletes. Ranked 6th in India and 47th globally in the Under-15 category earlier, he is now forging an equally formidable path in the Under-19 circuit.
Behind this remarkable journey stands a family that chose belief over convenience. His father, Vikas Bhatnagar, now serving as the Jail Superintendent in Dharamshala, and his mother, Durgesh Bhatnagar, a school lecturer, have been his pillars of strength. In a household rooted in the values of education and perseverance, dreams were nurtured carefully, even when the path ahead was uncertain. His maternal family near Miyan’s Temple and paternal ties to Upper Street, Nahan, have remained steadfast in their silent prayers and unwavering support.
Naman is expected to return to India today, heading straight to Dharamsala. His homecoming promises to be an emotional one, with friends, mentors, and an entire region waiting to celebrate a son who has carried their hopes to a golden summit.
Beyond medals and rankings, Naman’s story speaks of something more enduring — the extraordinary courage it takes to dream boundlessly in a world full of constraints. His rise is a beacon for countless young dreamers from small towns, a testament that greatness is not born in privilege, but in persistence.
In the hills of Himachal, where the skies stretch wide and free, Naman Bhatnagar’s golden story will inspire generations to come — a living proof that dreams woven with hard work can indeed light up the world.
Himachal Tribune