Who is Harmilan Bains, new ‘Roadie’ who has two Asian Games medals

From winning medals on the athletics track to taking on challenges on reality television, Harmilan Bains is exploring a new side of her career. The Indian middle-distance runner, who has represented the country at international events and won two Asian Games silver medals, has joined the popular reality show Roadies as a contestant.

Known for her performances in the 800m and 1500m events, Bains is now stepping into the entertainment world. She will compete alongside other contestants in tasks that test their physical strength and mental abilities.

Why has Harmilan Bains joined Roadies?

Bains' appearance on Roadies marks a new chapter in her career as she explores opportunities in the entertainment industry. The show features contestants divided into different groups, known as gangs, who compete in a series of physical and mental challenges before an individual winner is selected.

The athlete has joined Gurbani Judge's gang after impressing during the selection process. Neha Dhupia, Nikhil Chinapa and Prince Narula are also among the gang leaders on the show.

Explaining her decision to explore a different career path,Bains said she does not want to be defined by just one identity. In an Instagram post, she said that being an international athlete should not prevent her from exploring other paths.

“My achievements are mine, my journey is mine, and so are my choices. I have so much more to explore, experience, and achieve. I refuse to put myself in a box just to fit into people’s expectations. One thing I know for sure: wherever this journey takes me, I’ll never fake who I am,” she added.

Harmilan Bains' athletics career and Asian Games medals

Bains was among India's notable performers at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, where she won silver medals in both the women's 800m and 1500m events.

She also won gold in the 1500m short track event at the Asian Indoor Athletics Championships in Iran in February 2024. Later that year, she secured second place in the 1500m at the BMC Gold Standard Races in Birmingham, clocking 4 minutes and 19.31 seconds.

Injuries and struggles before The Paris Olympics

Bains' athletic journey has also included difficult periods. After an impressive run in 2021, she underwent knee surgery that kept her away from competition for around 10 months. She later returned to win two silver medals at the Asian Games.

A series of injuries affected her preparations for the Paris Olympics in 2024, preventing her from competing at the Games. In 2024, Bains revealed that missing out on the Olympics had taken a serious toll on her mental health.

“I was almost in depression. Thoughts were coming in my mind, like suicide and just quitting everything, run away from my city. My message to the parents is to let your child do whatever they want to and to the youngsters it is never too late to change your sport, your profession just enjoy whatever it is you’re doing,” she added.  

A family of athletes

Athletics has been an important part of Harmilan Bains' family background. Her mother, Madhuri Singh, was also an athlete and won a silver medal in the women's 800m at the 2002 Asian Games.

Her mother was reportedly three months pregnant with Harmilan when she took part in a 1500m trial in the late 1990s to retain her position with the Punjab State Electricity Board. Harmilan’s father, Amandeep Bains, is also associated with athletics. He is a South Asian Games medallist and a former national champion in the men's 1500m event.