My Journey From A Sleepy Hill Town To Paris Paralympics

Amisha Rawat, who is a member of the Indian contingent at Paris Paralympics 2024, recounts her trials and ambitions. In her own words:

I come from the peaceful town of Rudraprayag in Uttarakhand. Ever since I was a child, sports have been my passion. The excitement of competing and the joy of pushing my limits have always driven me. Today, I’m closer than ever to achieving my biggest dream: winning a Paralympic medal.

Growing up in Rudraprayag, I found myself drawn to the energy and spirit of competition. My journey began with small steps, participating in school events where I first realized that I had a talent for sports. Resources were limited, but that didn’t stop me. I practiced wherever I could, often in a small garden near my home. With no formal training, I relied on online tutorials and my determination to keep improving.

But the road wasn’t easy. Financial challenges were a constant worry for my family. My father, Surendra Singh Rawat, is in the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), and my mother is a homemaker. Despite the struggles, I held on to my dream.

A turning point came when my Physical Education teacher, Mr. Anil Kandwal, introduced me to para-sports. He took me to the Uttarakhand State Para Championship, where I won two gold medals in the 100m and 200m events. That experience opened up a new world for me, and I knew that this was what I was meant to do.

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However, without proper training, I hit a wall. That’s when I met Sandeep Chaudhary, a gold medalist from the 2018 Para Asian Games. He saw potential in me and encouraged me to try throwing events like shot put and javelin. He even suggested I move to Delhi for professional training, but then the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and my plans were put on hold.

In 2022, after finishing my secondary education, I finally moved to Delhi for my graduation at Jawaharlal Nehru University, where I began studying French. It was here that I met Dr. Rakesh Yadav, the Assistant Director of Sports at the university, who became my coach. With his guidance, I started focusing on shot put, and things started to change. I began winning national medals, including at Khelo India and even traveled to Switzerland for the Grand Prix, where I won a bronze medal in javelin throw. This success led to my selection for the Asian Para Games in Hangzhou.

This journey has taught me so much about perseverance, dedication, and the importance of mental resilience. Every challenge has made me stronger, both as an athlete and as a person. I’ve learned that it’s not just about winning, but about growing and evolving along the way.

Now, as I prepare for the Paralympics, I hold on to the vision of standing on that podium with a medal around my neck. I’ve learned that with unwavering belief and relentless effort, any dream is within reach. I’m determined to make my country proud and to inspire others to chase their dreams, no matter how difficult the journey might be.

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As told to Deepti Sharma