Tag: Paralympics

Amisha Rawat shares her race toward a global track

My Journey From A Sleepy Hill Town To Paris Paralympics

By LokMarg

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

International Gold Medalist Para Swimmer

‘Quit Self Pity, Learn To Swim Against The Tide’

By LokMarg

His medical document describes him as ‘100% Disabled’, but Shams Aalam (34) has others certificates that title him with international gold medalist para swimmer, world record holder in open sea swimming and TEDx Speaker. His story:

I am delighted to have won two Gold and one Silver medals with a new National record at 20th National Para Swimming Championship held in Bangalore recently. From an international level Karate player in 2010 to a record holder paraplegic swimmer, I have come a long way.

In 2010, I was about to represent my country in Asian Games. But as fate would have it I was diagnosed with a benign tumour. The surgical treatment left my lower body paralytic. I lost all sensation below my chest. I needed two persons to carry me from one place to another. It was sheer trauma; I felt like a helpless infant. But my mother, my sister and their children took care of me through that time.

My doctor assured me that I would be able play sports again and I followed his advice but realized that the recovery was slow. I was worried about my future. I searched and read every article on the internet about paraplegia, its recovery, treatment, alternative medicine.

From a Karate Kid in 2010 to Gold Fish in 2018

It then began to dawn upon me that this was a permanent situation and is not going to change. Once I got my disability certificate in 2012 which said that I am 100 percent disabled, I decided that I need to stop crying and find alternative ways to move ahead in my life. My mother was the main motivating force. She would tell me “If Allah has closed one door for you, it will open 1000 other doors. Keep going.”

My doctor had advised me to take up swimming to regenerate my nerves and I had taken it with utmost seriousness. In 2012 I started participating in national events as a paraplegic swimmer. As my mother had said, a new door opened for me.

In 2016, I won a bronze medal at the 2016 Can-Am Para Swimming Championships in Gatineau, Quebec. In 2017 I covered eight km in open sea in four hours, which is a world record. In 2018, I was selected to represent India in Asian Para Games at 100 meter Butterfly and Freestyle, besides other categories.

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My disability changed my vision. I feel there is much to do for the betterment and empowerment of the disabled community in the country, and I have a role in it. I associated myself with many initiatives in this direction. I started Para Sports Association in Mumbai, a body that provides a sports platform to people with disability. I have been working with various universities on accessibility issues and have delivered TEDx talks, most by a disabled person, on various issues.

Since 2019, I have been working with Bal Swavlamban Trust, a corporate social responsibility initiative of Gurgaon-based Hella India Automotive. We aim to produce affordable, accessible customized mobility equipment for the disabled. I use a German wheelchair which is good but also very costly. At Hella, we are trying to reduce the cost of mobility equipment from the current ₹1.5-2 lakh to ₹30,000.

Aalam now guides people with spine injury as a peer mentor

I am also working on the sexuality and disability. These are topics which are never raised because of which women and children often get abused, end up being victims of domestic violence and worse. We are also trying to generate proper data on the spinal injuries, other disabilities.

As a peer mentor I guide people with spinal cord injury on how to live their life post-trauma.  My mantra is: accept the way in whatever way you are. Respect yourself, stop self-pitying and start moving. If you want to achieve something, you will find the way to achieve it – either on your feet or a wheelchair.

As Told To Mamta Sharma