Harita Bhadra: how a girl from Ghatkopar’s traffic snarls learned to fly

In the congested streets of Ghatkopar, Mumbai, Harita Bhadra, a resident known for her athletic prowess, discovered her talent for sprinting amid the city's traffic chaos. Her journey to becoming the first Indian after Dutee Chand to medal in the 200m at the Asian Games began at Kanjur Marg, where her potential was recognized by her physical education teacher, Bala Sir.

Harita's parents, a businessman and a yoga enthusiast, supported her decision to pursue track and field, despite having no prior exposure to sports. The family's love for classical music and Rafael Nadal's strong work ethic inspired her, while their routine was structured around the Tennis Grand Slams. Harita's initial foray into athletics came in the form of a long jump medal at the MSSA's inter-school event, marking her entry into the world of competitive sports.

However, a false start in junior competitions proved to be a challenging learning experience, as she struggled to overcome this setback with the unwavering support of her parents.