https://indianmasterminds.com

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Meet Constable Yamini Thakre, the Rising Star of Maharashtra Police Athletics

Constable by duty, athlete by destiny — Yamini Thakre runs not just races, but a relentless journey from hardship to hope, chasing India’s flag on global tracks.
Indian Masterminds Stories

Constable Yamini Thakre of the Maharashtra Police, currently posted in Pimpri Chinchwad, is not your average police officer. By day, she serves in the line of duty, maintaining law and order; but before the city stirs awake, she’s already laced up her running shoes, training to be one of India’s top athletes. Her dream? Represent India at the Asian Games — and if the stars align, the Olympics too.

Born and raised in Nagpur, Yamini’s story isn’t just about running; it’s about spirit, determination, and chasing dreams despite staggering financial constraints.

“We didn’t have the means for fancy shoes or coaching,” she says. “Sometimes, I ran races just to win the cash prize and help at home.”

In an exclusive conversation with Indian Masterminds, she shared her story.

THE SPARK THAT LIT THE FIRE

Yamini’s journey into athletics began not with a coach or a club, but with a school friend of her sister who used to compete in running events. Inspired by the medals and stories, a young Yamini decided to try her hand — or rather, her legs — at running.

“I used to play at school just watching others. That’s how it started. There was no grand plan,” she recalls.

Her first races were local marathons — small competitions where winners received modest cash prizes. “We weren’t well off, so even a few hundred rupees meant a lot. Running became more than a sport — it was a way to survive.

STRENGTH IN STRUGGLES

Yamini grew up in a simple home. Her father and mother are homemakers, and her sister is an engineer. She herself is now a full-time constable but continues to carry the burden of limited means.

Despite her passion, formal training was a distant dream. It was only thanks to her school’s PT teacher, fondly remembered as ‘Panchgare Sir,’ that she got her first real guidance. Later, she trained under various coaches, and currently, she trains under Swapnil Sawant, an Income Tax Inspector and an international athlete himself.

“He’s been a huge support. Training with someone who’s competed internationally has helped me understand what it takes to reach that level,” Yamini told Indian Masterminds.

With her coach, Swapnil Sawant

SHINING THROUGH THE RANKS

Yamini recently made headlines after being named Best Athlete at the trusted Maharashtra Police Games for the second consecutive year. Her timing in the 5km event was unmatched, earning her the prestigious title in both 2023 and 2024.

“Last year, I clocked 16 minutes and 28 seconds. This year, due to track issues, the timing wasn’t recorded properly, but I know I’ve improved,” she says with quiet pride.

Even more inspiring? She achieved this after undergoing back surgery, which forced her to momentarily pause her training. “I’m slowly restarting full-scale workouts. My body has been through a lot, but I’m not done yet.”

GRIT AND GRIND

Yamini’s daily routine is designed around discipline and intent. Each day is focused on a different aspect of her fitness.

“It’s not a one-size-fits-all plan. We follow a targeted weekly structure that balances strength, speed, and stamina,” she explains.

Despite the demands of a police job, Yamini has been granted training leave by the Commissioner of Pimpri Chinchwad, IPS Vinoy Kumar Chaubey, and Additional CP, Vasant Pardesi, a gesture she’s immensely grateful for. “His support is the reason I’m able to keep going. He believes in my potential.”

With Additional CP Vasant Pardesi

MORE THAN JUST MEDALS

For Yamini, fitness isn’t just about medals or titles. It’s a way of life. “In police duty, we often have to stand for hours, work odd shifts, or skip meals. Physical fitness is not optional — it’s essential,” she says.

She even encourages her colleagues and friends to adopt healthy routines. “Start small. Ten thousand steps a day, some yoga or meditation — do it for yourself.

CHASING THE BIG DREAM

Yamini’s ultimate goal is to qualify for the Asian Games, and eventually, the Olympics. But the road ahead isn’t easy.

“The biggest challenge isn’t training — it’s nutrition and supplements. Elite athletes have nutritionists, physios, strength coaches. I don’t. I’m trying to find a sponsor who believes in me before the medals come,” she shared with Indian Masterminds.

She has applied to many sponsorship programs but received little response. “Everyone wants to be part of your success after you’ve won. But few are willing to help when you’re still on the journey.”

Still, her spirit remains undeterred. “I’m trying my best. I’m not giving up.

HOPE FOR SUPPORT

Yamini Thakre’s story is one of extraordinary willpower, running not just towards the finish line, but towards a better life — for herself, her family, and for India.

She’s already proven her mettle on the tracks. Now, she needs someone to help fuel her journey.

If you’d like to support Constable Yamini Thakre and help her train for the Asian Games and Olympics, you can contact her directly at +91 9529590546.


Indian Masterminds Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
NEWS
NCST Holds Review Meeting with NHPC
NCST Holds Review Meeting with NHPC on Implementation of Safeguards for Scheduled Tribe Employees
MP CM Collector Award Niti Aayog
Sampurnata Abhiyan: Madhya Pradesh Leads NITI Aayog Campaign; Collectors from 8 Districts Win Gold
Mohan Yadav
MP CM Mohan Yadav Pushes for Sustainable, Community-Driven Rural Water Policy; Targets 100% Tap Coverage by March 2027
Ajay Bhadoo IAS
IAS Ajay Bhadoo Gets Extended Term as DGFT - What It Means & His Career Journey
THDCIL_Receives_ABMS_Certification_for_Integrity_and_Transparency
THDC India (THDCIL) Awarded ISO 37001:2016 Anti-Bribery Certification by BIS - Details Inside
Ministry of Environment
Environment Ministry Clarifies Petrol Vehicle Tender, Cites E-Vehicle Flexibility
Bokaro Steel Plant
PESB Selects Priya Ranjan to Head Bokaro Steel Plant, SAIL’s Key Production Unit
REC Limited wins ‘Best Design Thinking Award’ at 5th Distinguished NBFC (DNA) Awards
REC Limited Bags ‘Best Design Thinking Award’ at 5th Distinguished NBFC Awards
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
Dr
Resisted Flawed Schemes, Transferred Thrice In Three Months, Found Solace In Writing
WhatsApp Image 2025-08-11 at 4.48
IAS SVR Srinivas on Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, Tough Calls, and the Real Power of IAS Officers | Video Interview
WhatsApp Image 2025-08-08 at 5.25
Dharavi Redevelopment: IAS Minds Turning 100-Year-Old Slum into a Modern City | Video Interview
ADVERTISEMENT
UPSC Stories
IAS Minnu P M
“Lazy, Sleepy, Yet Determined”: Minnu P M’s Honest Take on Cracking UPSC
Minnu PM, once a clerk in Kerala Police, cleared UPSC with AIR 150 after five years of struggle. Her...
IPS Ashish Tiwari
From IIT and Investment Banking to Public Service, Meet IPS Ashish Tiwari 
Ashish Tiwari, IIT graduate and former investment banker, chose public service over global finance. As...
WhatsApp Image 2025-08-12 at 7.27
First Attempt IRS, Fourth Attempt IPS: The Relentless Pursuit of Jitendra Kumar Yadav Who Cracked UPSC 3 Times
IPS Yadav is originally from Chhattisgarh. He was first selected for the IRS through UPSC and later for...
Social Media
Masahiro Hara
From Go Board to Global Use, How QR Codes Changed the World: IRAS Officer Ananth Rupanagudi Spotlights Masahiro Hara’s Vision
IRAS officer Ananth Rupanagudi shared a video on Masahiro Hara, the inventor of QR codes, highlighting...
IFS Susanta Nanda Video
A Mother’s Duty: Tigress Watches Over Cubs Splashing in Waterhole — Heartwarming Video Shared By Retd. IFS Officer Susanta Nanda
A tender wildlife video shared by Retd. IFS officer Susanta Nanda shows a tigress keeping watch over...
Mohanmala
Kaziranga Mourns: Beloved Elephant Mohanmala Passes Away After Five Decades of Service
Kaziranga National Park mourns the loss of Mohanmala, a beloved elephant who served over 50 years as...
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
NCST Holds Review Meeting with NHPC
NCST Holds Review Meeting with NHPC on Implementation of Safeguards for Scheduled Tribe Employees
MP CM Collector Award Niti Aayog
Sampurnata Abhiyan: Madhya Pradesh Leads NITI Aayog Campaign; Collectors from 8 Districts Win Gold
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
Dr
WhatsApp Image 2025-08-11 at 4.48
WhatsApp Image 2025-08-08 at 5.25
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT