Inspiring Stories of Women Athletes Who Are Redefining Sports in Vizag

With the growing passion for sports in the city, it’s no longer just about playing for fun. Across Vizag, there is a significant presence of sports-related people from different walks of life. CEOs, doctors, engineers, and other working professionals are stepping onto various courts, tracks, and fields with a great deal of purpose and passion. And leading this wave are the women athletes of Vizag. From breaking barriers to setting new records, these women are redefining what it means to be athletes. They’re balancing careers, families, and personal goals while proving that strength, discipline, and determination have no gender.

Here’s a look at some of the remarkable women who are shaping Vizag’s sports scene and how they continue to inspire an entire generation to move, play, and win.

Pickleball:

Sarvani Chintapalli

Sarvani Chintapalli, a rising pickleball athlete, whose journey from casual play to professional competition is truly inspiring. In search of a more active lifestyle and a way to unwind after her 9-to-5 job, Sarvani picked up a paddle for the first time in March 2025. Her commitment and athletic instincts helped her progress rapidly through district-level tournaments, earning her a place among Andhra Pradesh’s top players.

Sarvani’s hard work reached a new milestone when she was selected to represent Andhra Pradesh at the national level. Recently, she made headlines by achieving the Triple Crown at the 2nd Andhra Pradesh State Pickleball Championship, clinching titles in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles.

Today, Sarvani is recognised as the number one women’s pickleball player in Andhra Pradesh. With her eyes now set on national tournaments, she aims to continue climbing the ranks and make her mark on India’s growing pickleball scene. For Sarvani, the sport has become more than a pastime; it’s a platform to challenge herself, compete fiercely, and aims to inspire others to pick up the paddle.

Tennis:

Harshini Viswanadha

Born on March 9, 2006, in Visakhapatnam, Harshini Viswanadha’s tryst with tennis began at a very young age. Her late father, a dedicated tennis coach, would often take her to the courts when she was just six years old. Recognising her natural curiosity and talent, he began coaching her personally by the time she turned eight. Under his guidance, her passion for the game flourished.

Her breakthrough came at the National Ranking Tournament in Mysore, where she won titles in both Under-12 and Under-14 categories. Recognised for her talent at the Sania Mirza Tennis Academy in Hyderabad, Harshini was invited to train there for more professional development, a turning point in her career. Progressing rapidly, she secured a Top 10 ranking in Under-18 and reached India No. 30 in Women’s Tennis by January 2023. Even after battling multiple injuries, Harshini made strong comebacks, showing the same grit that defines her game.

Today, Harshini Viswanadha stands as a symbol of perseverance, passion, and purpose. As she prepares to restart her professional career, she is set to compete in International Tennis Federation (ITF) tournaments from January 2026, with renewed strength and ambition. Carrying forward her father’s legacy, Harshini’s goal remains clear: to represent India on the global tennis stage and continue inspiring young athletes across the nation.

CrossFit, Strength and Conditioning:

Padmini Raju Addala

A former under-19 women’s cricket player for Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Padmini Raju Addala, has always been deeply rooted in sports. While managing a full-time job in Bangalore, she began pursuing her passion for fitness and strength training, during which Padmini completed multiple NSCA certifications and earned her CrossFit Level 1 certification, marking the start of her journey as a professional trainer.

During her pregnancy, she further specialised in prenatal and postnatal fitness, driven by her mission to promote strength training and fitness awareness among women. After returning to Vizag, Padmini began coaching from her home, which soon expanded into Vizag’s first spin class, a first-of-its-kind space for community-based, high-intensity workouts.

Beyond coaching, Padmini has proven her mettle in competition, winning first place in Hyrox Delhi and Mumbai, and becoming the only Indian woman among many women athletes to qualify for Hyrox Sweden, a global fitness race.

At 35, Padmini reflects on her journey with pride. Every lift, every challenge, and every achievement has shaped her into the athlete, coach, and role model she is today.

Badminton:

Nekkanti Dharni

Nekkanti Dharni’s journey in badminton began at the age of 12, when her passion for the sport first took shape. By the age of 13, she was already competing in district-level tournaments, showcasing her natural talent and determination on the court.

What started as a local pursuit soon turned into a competitive journey. Dharni steadily progressed from district-level matches to state championships, gaining valuable experience and sharpening her game with every tournament. One of her proudest moments came in 2023, when she entered the main draw of the Visakhapatnam Rankings.

Currently, Dharni represents Gitam University in the South Zone tournaments, continuing to make her mark as a promising young athlete. At just 19 years old, she trains with focus and discipline while balancing her education, marking her dedication both on and off the court.

Driven by ambition, Dharni’s goal is clear: to bring home medals for her university and eventually compete at higher levels. Dharni says that for her, badminton isn’t just a sport. It’s a way of life, she’ll never tire of pursuing.

From courts and gyms to rinks and tracks, these women are redefining Vizag’s sporting culture. They represent strength, balance, and ambition and prove that success comes not just from winning titles, but from the courage to chase dreams relentlessly. As Vizag continues to grow into a hub for fitness and sport, the journeys of Sarvani, Harshini, Padmini, and Dharni stand as powerful reminders that passion knows no limits and these women athletes are no different!

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