What does it take to turn struggles into opportunities? For Nihal Joshi, it was an unstoppable drive to create something meaningful out of nothing. Born on September 19, 1999, in a small village in Rajasthan, life was far from easy. His family’s financial struggles were constant, with his father working as a security guard on a modest salary. But even in tough times, there was an underlying fire in Nihal to do something different.
In 2014, with dreams of becoming a cricketer, Nihal moved to Mumbai. His daily routine was grueling—training in the early hours, working as an office boy throughout the day, and sleeping on the office gallery floor at night. His dedication earned him a spot as a state-level cricket captain. However, dreams come with challenges. The family’s financial condition forced Nihal to set aside his cricket aspirations and focus on making ends meet.
Life became a whirlwind of odd jobs. Nihal worked as a sweeper, a delivery boy for food services, and an office assistant—all while cycling through Mumbai’s crowded streets. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, he had to return to his village. Instead of finding peace, he faced taunts from those around him. People questioned his future, saying he wouldn’t amount to much. The constant comparisons and remarks pushed Nihal to return to Mumbai, more determined than ever to prove everyone wrong.
Back in the city, Nihal found work at a shipping company and later at a gym. It was during his time at the gym that an idea took shape—why not focus on kids’ fitness? He believed childhood was the perfect time to build healthy habits and confidence. His dream grew even bigger when he thought about helping children with special needs.
Starting small, Nihal began taking outdoor fitness sessions for kids, traveling from one building to another on his cycle. The rainy season made it tough, often forcing him to cancel sessions. But Nihal never gave up. After six months of hard work, he opened his first center. What began with just one child soon grew into a community of 250 kids. He poured his entire salary, two years of savings, and a private loan into bringing this dream to life.
The journey wasn’t easy, but Nihal’s persistence paid off. Over three years, he expanded to six centers across Mumbai. Each new center was a testament to his dedication and vision for giving kids a healthier and more confident future. As things started looking up, Nihal achieved some of his most personal dreams—retiring his father from his job, buying his dream bike and car, and even building a house for his parents in the village, something they had waited 28 years for.
For Nihal, this is just the beginning. His goal is to create 100 centers, providing kids with the tools to live healthier, more active lives. He firmly believes that every challenge has a solution, and if you’re willing to work hard enough, you’ll find it. His advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple—don’t fear hard work and sacrifice. The journey may be tough, but it’s always worth it.
At just 26, Nihal Joshi is still growing, still dreaming, and still building his future. Every struggle he’s faced has made him stronger, shaping the person he is today. And as Nihal often says, “The best is yet to come.”
Too inspiring