Prayagraj: Nandini Bansal, who lives in a slum in Chungi Parade, Prayagraj, represented Uttar Pradesh at the Canoeing-Kayaking National Championship held at Bada Talab in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, and won a bronze medal with a stellar performance in the Kayaking K2 1000 meters event. She left behind teams from Odisha, Delhi, and Himachal Pradesh.

Nandini comes from a very poor family. Her father works as a scrap dealer, and her mother works as a domestic helper. The second of five sisters, Nandini used to collect garbage, but after joining the Jyoti Shiksha Sanstha under the guidance of Abhishek Shukla, she turned her attention to studies and sports. She initially played Kabaddi, but after facing discrimination, she chose kayaking. Despite expensive resources and social taunts, she continued to work hard. With the support of the organization and her coach, she is receiving training and practicing with national players in Bhopal, and is also studying at Punjab University.  Nandini, who had previously participated in Khelo India and other national competitions, has now brought pride to her slum and the state by winning a medal. Nandini dreams of winning a medal for India at the Olympics one day. Her success has created a joyous atmosphere in the entire slum, and people consider her an inspiration.