In brief
As they defy societal expectations and meet obstacles head-on, these athletes serve as inspirations for others in their communities and beyond.
Rakshitha Raju, a 24-year-old blind middle-distance para athlete, reflects on her incredible journey from being told she was a "waste" to winning gold medals for India at the Asian Games. Born in a remote village in southern India and orphaned by the age of 10, her supportive grandmother played a crucial role in nurturing her ambitions despite their shared disabilities.At 13, Rakshitha discovered athletics through a school sports teacher, who introduced her to the concept of guide running. This allowed visually impaired athletes to compete by tethering with a guide, a practice she embraced despite initial doubts about her abilities. Her first guide, Rahul Balakrishna, who recognized her potential during the National Games, has been a significant support since they began training together eight years ago. With no salary for guide runners, Rahul dedicated his time and resources to ensure Rakshitha had access to better facilities, which culminated in their participation at the Paralympics in Paris in 2024.Simultaneously, another trailblazer, Simran Sharma, also emerged as a prominent figure in Indian para athletics. Initially running solo due to her partial sight, she realized the need for a guide after a disqualification during her first event. She teamed up with young athlete Abhay Kumar, and together they navigated the challenges of synchronizing their movements. Their hard work paid off when they both claimed victory at the recent World Para Athletics Championships, with Simran becoming the first Indian woman with a visual impairment to win a Paralympic medal in Paris.Despite their successes, both Rakshitha and Simran face uncertainties regarding their future as their guide runners are not provided with financial support or secured career opportunities. With sponsorship deals aiding their training costs, both athletes also share their winnings with their guides, hoping for more institutional support for those who assist them in their journey.As Rakshitha and Simran set their sights on the next Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, they aim not only for medals but also to inspire countless others with disabilities, becoming role models for aspiring athletes in their communities.
