First Gymnast from UP to Qualify for Youth Olympics, Serving in Indian Navy
Prayagraj: The Sports Department of the Government of Uttar Pradesh has officially announced the list of selected athletes for the Laxman / Rani Laxmibai Award for the year 2024–25. Among the distinguished awardees, Abhijeet Kumar, a talented young gymnast from Uttar Pradesh, has been conferred with the prestigious Laxman Award in the discipline of Gymnastics. This honour was accorded based on the decision taken during the selection committee meeting held on 06 January 2026.
Achievements & Background: Abhijeet Kumar is a proud alumnus of KhelGaon Public School, Prayagraj. Through rigorous training and unwavering dedication at this institution, he has carved out a distinguished identity at both the national and international levels, bringing immense pride to his school and the state of Uttar Pradesh.
Key Achievements: First gymnast ever to qualify for Youth Olympic Not just from U.P. but from entire India. Current National Champion in the Senior category. Serving with distinction in the Indian Navy. Multiple medal winner at national and international competitions. A shining representative of KhelGaon Public School, Prayagraj.
Laxman Award: A Glorious Gymnastic Tradition – Abhijeet Kumar has become the eighth (8th) gymnast to receive this honour. The gymnasts who were previously conferred this award include: Mayank Srivastava, Rohit Jaiswal, Vivek Mishra, Aditya Singh Rana, Siddharth Verma and Devesh Kumar.
Congratulations from the School Family: The entire family of KhelGaon Public School, Prayagraj extends its heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Shri Abhijeet Kumar on this historic achievement. “Abhijeet’s achievement is not merely a personal triumph; it is the outcome of the vision and dedication of KhelGaon Public School, where we believe in nurturing a champion within every child. We are immensely proud that Abhijeet has not only brought glory to the school but to the entire state,” says Dr. U. K. Mishra, Chairman, KhelGaon Public School, Prayagraj.
“This recognition is a testament to the relentless efforts of all our athletes and coaches. It will serve as a source of inspiration for generations to come. The school family extends its warmest wishes to Abhijeet,” says Anil Mishra, Vice Chairman, KhelGaon Public School, Prayagraj.
“Abhijeet has demonstrated through his hard work, dedication, and discipline that every athlete who emerges from KhelGaon is capable of representing the nation. The Laxman Award is the fruit of years of perseverance. We wish him a bright and prosperous future,” says C. P. Yadav, Director, KhelGaon Public School, Prayagraj.
About the Laxman Award: The Laxman Award is the highest state sports honour bestowed by the Government of Uttar Pradesh under the Department of Sports and Youth Welfare. It is conferred upon outstanding athletes who have brought glory to the state at the national and international levels.
