Life & Legacy
Early Life and Background
Nayanmoni Saikia was born on March 10, 1986, in Assam. From an early age, she showed interest in sports and physical activities. During her school years, she was introduced to lawn bowls, a sport that was relatively unknown in India at that time. Despite limited infrastructure and awareness, her natural skill, focus, and commitment helped her stand out among her peers.
Growing up in Assam, where mainstream sports opportunities were limited, Nayanmoni Saikia faced numerous challenges. However, her passion for the game and unwavering determination allowed her to pursue lawn bowls seriously. She began rigorous training and gradually honed her technical skills, strategy, and mental toughness.
Entry into Competitive Lawn Bowls
Nayanmoni Saikia made her national-level debut in 2005, when she represented Assam at the National Lawn Bowls Championship in Jaipur. At this event, she won a bronze medal in the womens fours category, marking the beginning of her successful competitive career.
This early achievement established her as a promising athlete and opened doors to national recognition. Over the years, she consistently delivered strong performances at domestic tournaments, earning her a place among Indias top lawn bowls players.
Rise in National and International Arena
As her career progressed, Nayanmoni Saikia became a regular member of the Indian national lawn bowls team. She represented India at various prestigious international tournaments, including the Asian Lawn Bowls Championship, South Asian Games, and the Commonwealth Games.
One of her most notable performances came at the 2011 South Asian Games in Dhaka, where she won two gold medals in the womens pairs and fours events. These victories highlighted her versatility and ability to perform under pressure at the highest level.
In 2014, she secured a silver medal in the womens fours category at the Asian Lawn Bowls Championship in Hong Kong. Her consistent medal-winning performances reinforced her reputation as a dependable and world-class athlete.
Historic Achievement at the Commonwealth Games
The turning point in Nayanmoni Saikias career came during the 2018 Commonwealth Games held in Gold Coast, Australia. Partnering with Lovely Choubey in the womens pairs event, she won a bronze medal, becoming the first Indian lawn bowls player to win a medal at the Commonwealth Games.
This historic achievement brought nationwide attention to lawn bowls and firmly placed Nayanmoni Saikia among Indias elite athletes. Her calm demeanor, strategic thinking, and flawless execution during the competition were widely praised.
She continued her Commonwealth Games journey by representing India again in 2022, where she played a key role in the Indian womens fours team. Along with Lovely Choubey, Pinki Singh, and Rupa Rani Tirkey, she won the gold medal, defeating South Africa in the final. This victory marked a historic moment for Indian lawn bowls on the global stage.
Success in Asian Championships
Nayanmoni Saikia has also enjoyed remarkable success in the Asian Lawn Bowls Championship. She won:
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Gold medal in womens triples in 2017
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Bronze medal in womens fours in 2018
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Gold medal in womens fours at the 14th Asian Championship in 2023
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Gold medal in womens pairs at the 15th Asian Championship in 2024
These achievements underline her longevity, adaptability, and sustained excellence across different formats of the game.
World Bowls Championship Representation
In 2023, Nayanmoni Saikia was selected to represent India at the World Bowls Championship, often referred to as the sports blue riband event. She competed in both the womens pairs and womens fours categories, further strengthening Indias presence in global lawn bowls competitions.
Her participation at this level reflects her status as one of the most experienced and respected players in the international lawn bowls circuit.
Arjuna Award Recognition
In recognition of her outstanding achievements and consistent performances at the international level, Nayanmoni Saikia was conferred the Arjuna Award in 2022 by the Government of India. The award was presented by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on November 30, 2022.
The Arjuna Award is one of the highest sporting honors in India, given to athletes who demonstrate exceptional skill, discipline, and sportsmanship. Receiving this award was a proud moment not only for Nayanmoni Saikia but also for Assam and the entire Northeast region.
Impact on Indian Sports and Youth
Nayanmoni Saikia has played a crucial role in popularizing lawn bowls in India, a sport that was once considered obscure. Her success has encouraged sports authorities to invest more in lawn bowls infrastructure and training programs.
She has become a role model for young athletes, especially women from Assam and other northeastern states. Her journey proves that dedication and perseverance can overcome geographical and infrastructural barriers.
Beyond medals and awards, her legacy lies in inspiring confidence, discipline, and ambition among aspiring sportspersons across India.
Legacy and Inspiration
Today, Nayanmoni Saikia stands as one of the most famous sports personalities from Assam. Her achievements have elevated the status of lawn bowls in India and showcased the immense sporting talent emerging from the Northeast.
Her career reflects resilience, commitment, and excellence, making her a true ambassador of Indian sports and an enduring source of inspiration for future generations.
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