India, Dec. 24 -- Growing up in Indore in a family of limited means, Aarti Pal had her share of tough days. Her father Chhotelal Pal worked as a gardener, and the family of six struggled to make ends meet. If not for yoga, Aarti - now India's leading yogasana athlete - would have had a very different life.

On Wednesday, after becoming the first yogasana athlete to be recommended for the Arjuna award, Aarti's past flashed before her in a showreel of emotions. For once, the accomplished yoga practitioner traded her usual calm for childlike excitement.

"It is truly unbelievable. I am so happy. It feels the journey that began all those years back without a real purpose has found a destination," the 34-year-old told HT.

Like most sporting f...