India makes historic debut at POSA World Aerial Championships 2025 as Airbound Academy wins first-ever gold medal.
POSA World Aerial Championships 2025
India marked a historic milestone with its first-ever participation at the POSA World Aerial Championships 2025, organised by the Pole Sports & Arts World Federation (POSA). Hosted in Budapest, the prestigious global championship brought together elite aerial and pole athletes from over 40 nations.
Representing the nation was Airbound Academy, Mumbai - a fully women-run aerial arts and pole fitness/sport academy - which fielded a dynamic contingent of 17 athletes aged between 6 and 32 years, making it the youngest and largest Indian delegation to date at an international aerial event.
The Indian team was led by Head Coach Ria Bajaj and Coach Masuma Mun, with support from Indian Federation Committee members Mr. Shrikant Warankar, Mr. Suresh Gandhi, and Mr. Pankaj Kunde.
In a landmark achievement for Indian aerial sports, Vir Gahrotra secured India’s first-ever gold medal at the championship, winning the Junior B Men – Amateur Aerial Silks category - a proud and defining moment for the nation’s debut on the global stage.
The four-day championship featured world-class rigging, certified international judges, and premier disciplines including Aerial Silks, Aerial Hoop, Aerial Artistic, and Pole Sport. While the aerial events have concluded, the pole sport competitions are currently underway, with electrifying performances continuing from athletes across the world.
“This debut marks a powerful beginning for India at POSA,” said Head Coach Ria Bajaj. “Our students have trained tirelessly, and witnessing them perform with confidence and excellence on a global stage is deeply inspiring.”
She congratulated the entire team: Kaira Bajaj, Meera Mansukhani, Arshia Desai, Ivana Shah, Shrinika Kedia, Araiya Sood, Avika Mahtani, Kaira Thakur, Viha Gahrotra, Vir Gahrotra, Priyaanaa Sippy, Dhyaana Rohera, Nainika Ahuja, Yashika Vithlani, Deanne Rana, and Masuma Mun.
Airbound Academy’s participation underscores the rapid rise of aerial arts and pole sport in India. As a fully women-led institution, the academy continues to champion strength, artistry, discipline, and representation, playing a pivotal role in shaping India’s presence in this evolving global sport.
India’s debut at the POSA World Aerial Championships 2025 signals the dawn of a new era for the country’s aerial community - one driven by passion, progress, and the promise of global excellence.
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