The rope skipping medal winner from Mumbai chooses clinical psychology over foreign degrees, returning home with determination to serve India through education and awareness
MUMBAI – Ten years after making headlines as a rope skipping champion in Dubai, Mumbai’s Zia Maulvi has returned to India, carrying not just medals but also a mission. At 24, she has chosen to dedicate her life to mental health awareness and service in her own country.
Zia first rose to fame in 2015 when, as a 14-year-old studying in the eighth grade, she represented Maharashtra at the World Inter-School Rope Skipping Championship in Dubai. There, she secured second place and brought home a silver medal. For two years after that, she competed at the national level and collected dozens of gold and silver medals before shifting her focus towards academics.
After scoring 78% in her SSC examinations, Zia pursued her education at Mumbai’s Sophia College, where she chose psychology as her special subject. Her interest in the field deepened over time, eventually guiding her towards international study. In 2023, she left for Canada to join Sir Sandford Fleming College of Applied Arts and Technology, where she successfully completed a two-year diploma in Mental Health and Addiction.
Despite opportunities abroad, Zia decided to return to India in April 2025. Explaining her decision, she told Clarion India: “There is not much awareness about psychology and mental health in India. There are also few psychologists, while I wish to serve the people of my country. My mission will be to try to overcome the growing trend of psychological stress and suicide.”
Currently, Zia is pursuing her Masters in Clinical Psychology at Indira Gandhi National Open University, Delhi. For her, studying in India means staying closer to the real issues faced by Indian society. “The studies in Canada matched the conditions of people there. But my people face different challenges. That is why I chose to study here, where I can directly connect with the needs of my country,” she said.
Alongside her academic journey, Zia has also excelled in martial arts. She has earned a black belt in karate, completed an instructor’s course, and qualified as a judge under the Karate India Organisation.
Zia’s journey from being a sports star to becoming a mental health advocate reflects not only her determination but also her deep sense of responsibility towards society. Those who once applauded her rope skipping feats now watch with pride as she dedicates her life to addressing psychological stress, depression, and the rising cases of suicide among young people in India.
