Meet Mysuru's young Yoga Champ Kushi Hemachandra

Wednesday, February 10, 2021

Mysuru's young yoga champ Kushi Hemachandra is not only adept in various asanas but has also won accolades in artistic and rhythmic yoga. 'India's Yoga Wonder Girl' Kushi started practicing yoga at the age of 9 when she wanted to get rid of breathing problems. Initially, she started with some simple asanas and pranayams, and she practiced complex and advanced asanas under the supervision of her teacher at Mysore Vivekananda Yoga and Research Institute. Several of her Yoga videos are a hit in YouTube channel where you will be blown away at the flexibility she shows.



"My flexibility increased, and I realised that I could participate in many competitions and win medals. My interest in yoga increased, and I have been practicing it for several years now. My first teacher was Geeta Kumar, and she later introduced me to her teacher Ganesh Kumar, a great yoga exponent," Kushi said.

Daughter of S. Hemachandra, an RBI employee and H. Kumuda, a home-maker, residing in Hebbal, Kushi has won several accolades and appreciation from the national and international level. She have one sister named Shreshta.



Kushi had taken part in competitions conducted in China, Vietnam, Singapore, Argentina and South Africa other than India. Representing the country, she has won 10 gold medals, 4 silver medals and 2 bronze medals in international yogasana competitions so far. She had also won the Karnataka State Rajyotsava award.

The brand ambassador of International Yoga Day at Mysore in 2017, Kushi was also the brand ambassador of Swachh Bharath in 2017-18 (along with former cricketer Javagal Srinath) by the Mysuru City Corporation. In 2018 she was invited to meet the Prime Minister Sri Narendra Modi in Delhi.



Completed her schooling from St. Joseph's Central School, Vijayanagar, Kushi is currently in class 11 at Vijaya Vittala Composite Pre-University College in Mysuru.

An athletics, badminton and throwball lover, Kushi, on managing her time, said, "As far as yoga is concerned, I practice for 3 hours every day - between 6 and 9 in the evening. I study for an hour during weekdays, and I manage to study during weekends. My parents are my backbone, and they have supported me a lot (from yoga to studies). And my college has been my constant support."



"Yoga is India's tradition. People from abroad come here to learn yoga. Since yoga is our culture, it's our responsibility to take it to another level. We all know that health is wealth, so I request everyone to practice yoga for at least an hour a day and keep your health in good condition," said the young yoga exponent.