From Debut to Finalist: Akshat Bajaj’s Dream Start on the Asian Stage

At the recently concluded 2025 Asian Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Jecheon, South Korea, a young Indian gymnast made headlines with his fearless routines, high composure, and historic finish in the men’s junior vault event.

Akshat Bajaj, representing India in his first-ever international competition, not only qualified for the Vault Final with the third-best score in qualification, but also stood out as a high-potential gymnast with the tools to become a future medal contender at continental and global stages.

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The Breakthrough Moment

Akshat Bajaj’s participation at the 18th Junior Men’s Artistic Gymnastics Asian Championships marked the debut of a new face in Indian gymnastics one that has already turned heads with a podium-level qualification performance. With a total score of 13.316 in the qualification round, Akshat secured 3rd place, making him the first Indian gymnast since 2003 to qualify for the Apparatus Finals (Vault) at the Junior Asian Championships.

The significance of this result cannot be overstated. In a sport where Indian male gymnasts have often struggled to crack the top ranks at the continental level, Akshat’s result signals the emergence of a fresh wave of talent that is technically sound, mentally resilient, and internationally competitive.

Composed Under Pressure

Competing against the best junior gymnasts from powerhouse nations such as South Korea, China, and the Philippines, Akshat maintained composure across both vaults. His difficulty score (D-score) was 4.4 for both vaults an indicator of his focus on consistent execution and clean landings rather than pushing for difficulty beyond current capacity.

In the finals, he retained the same difficulty values and posted a total of 12.833, which placed him 6th overall a slight drop from his qualification rank but a result that still underscores remarkable composure and poise under pressure. Unlike many first-time international competitors who falter when the stakes rise, Akshat stood firm, reaffirming that his qualification result was no fluke.

Performance Analysis: Clean Execution, Scope for Difficulty Growth

Akshat’s performance showcased maturity well beyond his years. His execution scores in both qualification and finals were solid 8.200 and 8.666 and in the final, his first vault was scored at 12.600, while the second improved to 13.066, averaging to 12.833.

Though his score slightly declined in the final, experts agree it was a result of minute execution refinements rather than any errors. According to official observations and subjective feedback, Akshat’s strength lies in:
• Composure and body control during vault landings,
• Consistency across attempts, and
• Strong foundational technique.

What separates elite vaulters at the continental level is often the difficulty quotient, and that is where Akshat’s next big leap lies. With both vaults set at D=4.4, there’s room to elevate difficulty in at least one to boost total scores in future events.

Identified as a Medal Prospect

The selection panel and coaches on ground including national coach Mr. Praveen Sharma, who accompanied the squad unanimously highlighted Akshat as a gymnast with the potential to reach Asian Games and senior international finals in the coming years.

His ability to deliver under pressure, maintain composure in debut competition, and stick to consistent scores across both qualification and finals were seen as indicators of future success. The report from the Asian Championships outlines Akshat’s best achievement as:

“Qualifying for the vault final in 3rd place with a score of 13.316 in his debut international competition, showcasing exceptional talent.”

Team India’s Strong Show at the Junior Championships

Akshat’s personal milestone also contributed to India’s overall strong team result. In the team standings, the Indian junior men’s artistic gymnastics team finished 2nd, only behind Iran, with a total score of 214.028. It was a commendable collective effort with all-around performances from gymnasts like Harshit Damodharan, who also made it to the Vault Final and finished 5th with a score of 12.849.

This silver-medal team finish, combined with multiple finalists in apparatus events, underscores the upward trajectory of India’s junior gymnastics program.

Coach’s Role and Training Background

Akshat trains under a team led by Mr. Praveen Sharma, who has been instrumental in nurturing emerging talent in men’s artistic gymnastics in India. Mr. Sharma’s coaching role at the Asian Championships extended to guiding both junior and senior-level gymnasts, with a specific focus on vault execution, mental preparedness, and apparatus-specific technique refinement.

The team’s preparation for the championships included focused sessions on execution precision, landing control, and psychological readiness—an area where Akshat notably stood out.

Major Highlights from Akshat’s Debut

From the full competition cycle, these moments defined Akshat’s presence at the 2025 Asian Championships:
• Qualified 3rd for Vault Final – 13.316 (Q)
• Final Standing – 6th in Asia
• Matched D-scores of 4.4 in both vaults in qualification and finals
• Emerged as a high-potential gymnast for future Asian-level medals
• Contributed to India’s overall silver medal in team standings

Areas of Improvement

Despite the historic result, Akshat’s performance report also listed areas for growth, which will be crucial as he moves into more senior competitions:
• Increase vault difficulty to align with elite-level scoring ranges (D=4.8+)
• Refine landings and body position to minimise minor deductions
• Sustain execution consistency across rounds
• Gain more international experience for competitive adaptability

These points are less about shortcomings and more about progression metrics that will shape his training over the next 12–18 months.

Akshat Bajaj now stands at the beginning of what could be a game-changing journey in Indian men’s artistic gymnastics. With a debut that already places him among Asia’s top 6 in vault, the roadmap is clear: improved difficulty, more international exposure, and enhanced refinement.

Given his age and talent ceiling, Akshat is well positioned to:
• Compete for medals at future Asian Championships
• Make a run for 2026 Asian Games selection
• Transition into senior international events over the next two years

Akshat Bajaj’s debut at the 2025 Asian Championships in Jecheon is not just a personal triumph; it’s a beacon for Indian gymnastics. His performance symbolizes the emergence of a new generation of gymnasts who are not intimidated by big stages, are technically sound, and have the support systems needed to thrive.

As India eyes greater success in Olympic disciplines like gymnastics, athletes like Akshat offer not just hope but a genuine pathway to podiums that once felt distant.

Keep your eyes on this name. The journey has just begun. 🥇🇮🇳