The felicitation ceremony, held at PNB’s Head Office in Dwarka, was part of the bank’s Independence Day celebrations, where the tricolour was hoisted high and stories of grit and glory were shared to inspire all present.
A Symbol of Grit and Glory
Sudhir Saxena, hailing from Lahasani village, Ballia (Uttar Pradesh), has become a symbol of determination and perseverance. Known for his relentless spirit, he has battled through personal and professional challenges to bring India laurels in the competitive sport of kickboxing. From winning a bronze medal in the Asian Kickboxing Championships (Cambodia, 2024) to a silver medal at the 4th India Open Kickboxing Championship (Delhi, 2025), and most recently a bronze in the Seniors and Masters National Championship (Raipur, July 2025), his journey is a testament to dedication and resilience.
Honouring a True Champion
In his address, Shri Ashok Chandra praised Sudhir’s hard work, discipline, and unwavering passion for the sport, noting that his achievements not only bring pride to the sporting community but also serve as an inspiration for the youth of the nation.
“On this day, when we honour the sacrifices made for our freedom, it is fitting that we also honour those who carry forward India’s spirit of excellence on the global stage. Sudhir Saxena’s journey proves that with courage and commitment, India’s talent can shine anywhere in the world,” said Shri Chandra.
Gratitude and Acknowledgements
In an emotional speech, Sudhir expressed deep gratitude to those who have stood by him throughout his career. He especially thanked Punjab National Bank for their constant encouragement and sponsorship during critical moments of his preparation. He also acknowledged his coach Yoginder Singh, Shri Vijay Kumar, and friends Mahesh Verma, Sumit Chaudhry, and Mayank Madhur for their constant motivation.
He dedicated his successes to his wife Priyanka Gautam, his father Shri Suresh Saxena, and his supporters from Gauravi Foundation, whose unwavering belief has kept him motivated through both victories and setbacks.
A Vision Beyond Medals
Apart from his sporting achievements, Sudhir is actively involved in philanthropy and youth development. He works with multiple NGOs to uplift rural communities, organises self-defence training for young girls, and inspires underprivileged children to take up sports. His mission is to ensure that no talented athlete has to abandon their dream due to financial constraints — a challenge he personally faced in his early years.
Pillars of Strength Behind Sudhir Saxena’s Journey
Sudhir Saxena credits much of his success to the unwavering support of those who have stood beside him through every challenge. He extends heartfelt gratitude to his wife Priyanka Gautam, whose constant encouragement has been his greatest source of strength; to the Gauravi Foundation for their steadfast backing in his sporting and social initiatives; and to close friends Vijay Kumar, Mahesh Verma, and Govind Kumar for their belief in his journey and tireless motivation during the toughest phases of his career.
Inspiration for the Nation
As the ceremony concluded, Sudhir stood on stage holding the tricolour, surrounded by applause. For him, this Independence Day was not just about honour, but about reminding every aspiring athlete in India that struggles are temporary, but passion and perseverance can carve a permanent place in history.
With every medal and every effort to inspire the youth, Sudhir Saxena continues to prove that true champions don’t just win in the ring — they win hearts and change lives.
