Bhubaneswar: When India’s artistic gymnastics team marches into the arena at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, all eyes will be on Pranati Nayak—the experienced Olympian whose journey from a modest background to becoming one of the country’s most decorated gymnasts has inspired a generation.
Although born in West Bengal, Pranati’s rise as an elite gymnast has been closely intertwined with Odisha, where she trains at the Odisha AM/NS India Gymnastics High Performance Centre in Bhubaneswar under coach Ashok Kumar Mishra. Over the years, Odisha has become the foundation of her success, providing world-class infrastructure that has helped her consistently perform on the international stage.
The 31-year-old is the most experienced member of India’s eight-member artistic gymnastics squad for Glasgow and recently completed an intensive overseas training camp in London before heading to Scotland with the national team.
India’s Leading Vaulter
Pranati has established herself as India’s premier vault specialist. She scripted history in 2019 by winning a bronze medal at the Asian Artistic Gymnastics Championships, becoming only the third Indian woman to win an international medal on the vault. She added another Asian Championships bronze in 2022, becoming the first Indian gymnast to claim two medals at the continental championships.
This year, she further strengthened her credentials by clinching a silver medal in the women’s vault at the FIG World Challenge Cup in Tashkent, continuing her impressive run on the international circuit.
Olympic Milestone
Pranati created history when she qualified for the Tokyo Olympics, becoming only the second Indian female artistic gymnast after Dipa Karmakar to compete at the Games. She has also represented India at multiple editions of the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and World Championships, making her one of the country’s most accomplished gymnasts.
Odisha’s Sporting Pride
While her roots are in West Bengal, Pranati has become a prominent face of Odisha’s sporting ecosystem. Representing Odisha at the National Games, she has won multiple gold medals, including four golds and one silver at the 2023 National Games, underlining her dominance in domestic gymnastics. The Odisha government has repeatedly recognised her achievements, reflecting the state’s growing investment in Olympic sports.
Leading India’s Glasgow Dream
As India aims to improve its gymnastics record at the Commonwealth Games, Pranati’s experience will be invaluable for a youthful squad. Alongside teammates Nishka Agarwal, Eshita Rewale, Protistha Samanta, Tapan Mohanty, Tapeshwarnath Das, Swatish KP and Yogeshwar Singh, she will shoulder the responsibility of guiding the team in Glasgow.
With an Olympic appearance, multiple Asian medals and another international podium finish already under her belt in 2026, Pranati Nayak heads into Glasgow not just as India’s most experienced gymnast, but as the face of a new era for Indian—and Odisha—gymnastics.
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