Rejiya Devi’s Triumph: From Written Off to KIUG 2025 Champion

December 8, 2025

Khoirom Rejiya Devi, hailing from Manipur, faced skepticism from an early age. When she first took up cycling in 2019, many   including her own family and local coaches doubted her potential, telling her that competitive cycling was “not for her.” Before venturing into cycling, Rejiya had been a Sepak Takraw player from 2014 to 2018, but seeing limited prospects in the sport, she switched disciplines after a friend noticed her running speed could translate well onto a bicycle.

From being written off to beating India’s best cyclist at KIUG 2025: The inspiring journey of Khoirom Rejiya Devi https://t.co/zYyN98uAyV#KhoiromRejiyaDevi #IndianCycling #KIUG2025 #WomenCyclists #3kmPursuit #SportsInspiration #ManipurAthlete #MeenakshiRohilla #CyclingChampion…

— YesPunjab.com (@yespunjab) December 8, 2025

Overcoming Pandemic Challenges and Setbacks

Rejiya’s journey was further complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted training and competitions nationwide. Returning to the sport after the pandemic, she faced harsh criticism from coaches who felt she lacked exposure and was not ready for senior-level competitions. Instead of succumbing to these setbacks, Rejiya doubled down on her training. She focused on endurance cycling, incorporated daily running into her routine, and shed nearly 10 kg to enhance her performance, showing remarkable determination and resilience.

Rising Through National and International Competitions

Her hard work began to pay off in 2021, when she won a bronze medal at the Senior National Championships in Jaipur, earning her a spot at the national training camp in Patiala. Rejiya gradually made her mark on the international stage, becoming part of the Indian women’s cycling team that won a historic bronze in the Team Pursuit at the 2022 Asian Cycling Championships. By 2024, she was recognized as one of India’s promising cyclists in pursuit races, gaining valuable experience and exposure at higher-level competitions.

Golden Moment at KIUG 2025

Rejiya’s defining moment came at the Khelo India University Games (KIUG) 2025, held in Rajasthan. Representing Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), she faced Meenakshi Rohilla of Guru Nanak Dev University — India’s top cyclist — in the women’s 3 km Individual Pursuit final. In a stunning upset, Rejiya clocked 4:12.798, defeating Meenakshi, who finished at 4:14.150. This victory not only earned her the gold medal but also made her a standout star of the competition, marking a significant milestone in her career.

Recognition and Inspiration

Rejiya’s win at KIUG 2025 has been widely celebrated as a story of perseverance and determination. Meenakshi Rohilla herself congratulated Rejiya, calling her one of India’s strongest cyclists. For Rejiya, the achievement is more than just a medal; it symbolizes overcoming doubt, societal pressure, and early criticism to reach the pinnacle of her sport. She remains focused on furthering her career, aiming to become the best cyclist in India.

A Message of Resilience

From being dismissed as incapable to defeating India’s top cyclists on a national stage, Khoirom Rejiya Devi’s journey exemplifies the power of persistence, self-belief, and dedication. Her story is inspiring for aspiring athletes across the country, proving that challenges and setbacks can be transformed into stepping stones toward success.