Kiran Deoli Uniyal: First Indian woman to hold most martial arts world records

• From a wife and mother to a martial arts motivator, practitioner, and social worker

New Delhi: After crossing the age of 40, majority of Indian women’s lives are typically limited to daily work and family life, but Kiran Deoli Uniyal of Uttarakhand has shattered this notion. 53-year-old Kiran Uniyal is the first woman to hold the most martial arts world records in India. Kiran holds 84 world records in martial arts, fitness, and social work, including 18 Guinness World Records. She holds 74 world records in martial arts speed strikes and kicks, including 15 Guinness World Records. Her three Guinness World Records, which still stand, are: 28,234 punches in one hour; 590 punches in one minute with 1kg dumbbell in both hands; and 347 punches with one hand with 1kg dumbbell in one minute.

Originally from Rudraprayag, married into Saknoli village, Pauri, and currently residing in Delhi, Kiran Uniyal initially took up martial arts out of a desire for personal fitness and self-protection. This personal pursuit soon transformed into a larger mission to inspire and empower. She worked on her stamina, speed, and skill to achieve the records. A strict vegetarian, Kiran still practices martial arts for three to four hours daily. Through her dedication to martial arts, she supports its importance in sports, fitness, and, most importantly, self-defense. Now, Kiran is an inspiration to children, girls, and women. She wants every woman to learn self-defense and empower herself to face any unsafe situation.

Every strike and achievement Kiran Uniyal achieves in martial arts is not just a display of physical strength, but a powerful statement of women’s empowerment and capability. Kiran has earned a third dan black belt in Taekwondo, is trained in Israeli martial art Krav Maga, and has learned various martial arts disciplines. Her husband, Colonel Sunil Kumar Uniyal (Retd.), has been a constant supporter of her throughout her journey to world records and martial arts success. Sunil Uniyal himself is a fitness enthusiast and a marathon runner.

Currently, Kiran works as a martial arts motivator, practitioner, and social worker, promoting martial arts for fitness, self-defense, and sports. As Kiran Uniyal continues to forge her own path, she remains a source of inspiration and strength. Her story isn’t just about the records she’s achieved; it’s about the societal norms she challenges and the example she sets for generations to come.