Riddhi Kadam, a talented triathlete from Vadodara, has achieved a significant milestone in her sporting career by being selected to represent India at the highly anticipated Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou, China. This historic moment marks the first time that a triathlon athlete from Vadodara will don the national colors at such a prestigious tournament.
Having secured a commendable third place in the selection trials held in Chennai, Riddhi earned her well-deserved spot in the Indian contingent for the Asian Games. Focused and determined, she is now dedicating herself to intensive training, aiming to showcase her skills and compete with the best in the field. “This is my first Asian Games, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to perform alongside the finest athletes in the sport. I am putting in rigorous training, working on improving my weaknesses and refining my timing. This is the moment I have been eagerly awaiting, and I am determined to give my absolute best,” expressed an enthusiastic Riddhi.
Triathlon, a challenging discipline that encompasses swimming, cycling, and running, demands exceptional endurance and versatility. Currently clocking in at an impressive 2 hours and 20 minutes, Riddhi is relentlessly pushing herself to further enhance her timing and overall performance.
Riddhi’s journey in triathlon began after being inspired by her coach, Krishna Pandya, a former triathlon athlete who currently serves as the District Sports Development Officer (DSDO) in Vadodara. Previously recognized as a promising long-distance runner, Riddhi transitioned into triathlon under Krishna’s guidance. “Riddhi showcased her potential as a long-distance runner and a swimmer while being a part of the Gujarat Residential Academy of Sports Authority of Gujarat. I recognized her talent and introduced her to aquathlon events, providing her with training in swimming. We trained tirelessly, even during late hours, and her passion for learning and improving has propelled her to new heights in the sport. As the first triathlon athlete from Vadodara to represent India in the Asian Games, I couldn’t be prouder as a coach and DSDO,” shared Krishna Pandya.
Since her debut in triathlon events in 2019, Riddhi has steadily made her mark in the national sports arena. Notably, she secured an impressive fourth position in her inaugural national competition held in Kerala. Building on her success, Riddhi subsequently participated in the South Asian Games in Nepal in 2019, where she gained invaluable experience and bolstered her confidence.
Riddhi’s sporting lineage runs deep, with her family members being ardent sports enthusiasts themselves. Her maternal uncle represented the International Kabaddi team, while her maternal grandfather excelled in bodybuilding. Drawing inspiration from her father, Naresh Kadam, retired army personnel, Riddhi is fulfilling his lifelong dream of excelling in swimming. “My father had always aspired to be a swimmer, but his profession prevented him from pursuing it. Now, I am honored to carry forward the sporting legacy of my family and fulfill his dream. His unwavering support has been instrumental in my journey, and I am committed to making him proud,” shared Riddhi.
As Riddhi gears up to represent India in the Asian Games, she serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes, especially from Vadodara. Her dedication, perseverance, and passion for the sport exemplify the potential that lies within our nation’s sporting talent. The entire nation eagerly anticipates Riddhi’s performance at the Asian Games.
