Vashisht, a rising Indian star in athletics, is making waves both on and off the field. The 29-year-old athlete from Mohali stunned fans and competitors alike by defeating local favorite Sandra Babu in the women’s triple jump at the National Federation Senior Athletics Championship, clinching gold with a powerful leap of 13.49 meters. But what truly sets her apart is how she’s funding her journey—not through sponsorships or government support, but through her 250K+ social media followers.
A Champion Fueled by Digital Power
Niharika isn’t just a medal-winning athlete—she’s a successful influencer who turned her digital reach into financial freedom. “I use the money I earn from social media to pursue my athletics career,” she says. “From 
training costs to supplements, I manage it all through brand collaborations and content projects.”
She began her influencer journey during the Covid-19 lockdown, sharing workout routines and motivational content. Over time, her follower base exploded, allowing her to build a self-sufficient training plan without burdening her family.
Family Support and Fierce Determination
Her father, Ram Kumar Vashisht, left his private-sector job over a decade ago to back his daughter’s athletic dreams, while her mother continues to teach at a government school in Gharuan near Mohali. Today, Niharika takes pride in being financially independent. “Even one or two paid projects a month help me stay on track with training,” she adds.
From Missed Medals to Gold Glory
At the 2024 National Federation competition in Bhubaneswar, Niharika leapt 13.07 meters, narrowly missing the podium by just 0.01 meters. Instead of giving up, she made major changes to her training. “The biggest shift was in my run-up and speed,” she said. “We redesigned my technique from the ground up.”
The changes paid off. At the Maharaja’s College Stadium in Kochi, she soared to 13.49 meters—winning gold and making headlines across the country.
Niharika’s story is more than an athletic success—it’s a blueprint for the next generation of Indian athletes. She’s proven that combining sporting excellence with digital innovation can open new doors, especially for those who lack traditional support systems.
With India’s sporting ecosystem evolving rapidly, Niharika Vashisht stands as a symbol of self-made success, blending passion, grit, and the power of online influence.
