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#Paralympic

Star Citizens

From Soldier to Paralympian: A Hero’s Journey After Losing His Leg

Hokato Sema’s journey to the Paralympic podium is nothing short of inspiring. The 40-year-old shot putter from Dimapur, Nagaland, overcame a life-altering event when he lost his left leg in a landmine explosion during an anti-terrorist operation in Jammu & Kashmir in 2002. Despite the immense challenges he faced, Sema’s indomitable spirit and perseverance led him to the world stage, where he made his nation proud once again.On Friday in Paris, Sema delivered the throw of his life, achieving a career-best of 14.65 meters in the men’s F57 shot put category. This great effort secured him the bronze medal. After starting with a throw of 13.88 meters, Sema quickly found his rhythm, surpassing the 14-meter mark on his second attempt, before pushing even further with a 14.40-meter heave.However, it was in his fourth throw that Sema truly outdid himself, surpassing his previous best of 14.49 meters to cement his place on the podium. For Sema, this bronze at the Paralympic Games is not just a personal victory, but a powerful reminder of what it means to triumph over adversity. (Source: Google Images) Sema started the shot-put in 2016 at the age of 32 when a senior army officer at the Artificial Limb Centre in Pune encouraged him to do so after observing his level of fitness. That same year, he participated in the National Para Athletics Championships in Jaipur. Field athletes in the F57 group have limited mobility in one leg, moderate movement in both feet, or no movement at all. These athletes have complete upper body power, but they must make up for a notable asymmetry in leg power.A proud moment for all the efforts made ~(Source: Google Image)India's Paralympic team etched its name in history at the Paris Games, delivering a stellar performance with a record 29 medals, including seven gold, nine silver, and 13 bronze. This remarkable achievement surpasses their previous best at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, where the country secured 19 medals.In a "proud moment" for the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Hokato Hotozhe Sema on winning the bronze medal!

10 Sep 2024
Star Citizens

Ridiculed for Her Looks, Celebrated for Her Speed: Deepthi’s Incredible Triumph!

It’s commonplace to find that the journey of a para-athlete is mostly about overcoming physical challenges, but what if one is ridiculed and shamed for the appearance they were born with? That’s precisely what Deepthi Jeevanji — who took a bronze in the women’s 400 m T20 final on Tuesday to give India a third track and field medal at the Paris Paralympics — had to endure throughout her growing years. From being called Pichi (mental) and Kothi (monkey) for being born with an unusually small head, along with asymmetrical lips and nose — not to speak of her intellectual disability — the 21-year-old from Kalleda in Andhra Pradesh's Warangal district has weathered it all. However, her rapid strides as a special talent in para-athletics, which saw her break the world record in her event at the World Championship in Kobe earlier this year, must have changed all that.Was Always a Unique ‘Misfit’ ~(Source: Google Images) That all must have changed, though, when, earlier this year, at the World Championship in Kobe, she smashed the world record in her event thanks to her lightning-fast steps. While not as impressive as her personal best of 55.07 seconds set in Kobe, Deepthi's bronze effort of 55.82 seconds was nevertheless good enough to guarantee a medal. She won a medal at what is expected to be the greatest Paralympics for India ever, surpassing the Tokyo milestone of 19 by the end of the day on Tuesday. Her parents, Jeevanji Yadhagiri and Jeevanji Dhanalaxmi, had to work very hard to develop their daughter as an athlete.  “She was born during the solar eclipse and her head was very small at birth along with the lips and nose being a bit unusual. Every villager who saw her and some of our relatives would call Deepthi pichi (mental) and Kothi (monkey) and tell us to send her to an orphanage''  ~ Dhanakaxmi, Deepthi's motherHer success as a world champion in a distant nation today confirms that she is a unique girl, sparking a fire of positivity inside many minds!

10 Sep 2024
Star Citizens

From Enduring Disability to Winning Gold at the Paralympics, This Young Man Conquered All Odds

When a simple illness afflicts us we are weighed down by it. So imagine the plight of a schoolboy who lost his leg when a drunk driver ran a truck over it. You will be amazed to know that this young boy went on to make his country proud by winning gold at the Paralympics. The human spirit is one of ability, perseverance, and courage that no disability can steal away. Mariyappan Thangavelu exemplifies this saying as he didn’t allow his disability to come in the way of winning a medal for the country. School Days Mariayappan was on his way to school when he was run over by a truck driver. The young lad lost a leg in this unfortunate accident. He, however, came to terms with it and showed an interest in volleyball. At the suggestion of his physical training teacher, he took up high jump and that changed his life. An Encouraging Coach Impressed by Mariyappan’s talent at the National Para-Athletics Championships, coach Satyanarayana took him under his wings in 2015. In March 2016 Mariyappan qualified for the Rio Paralympics. He attained his moment of glory at the Rio Paralympics as he won the gold medal in the men's high jump T–42 event, with a leap of 1.89 m (6 ft 2 in). Mariyappan inspires us to follow our goals and achieve our dreams without being affected by any setback. He is only 24 and will be looking for more medals to add to his name. Image Source: Scroll.in

9 Nov 2019
Star Citizens

Good News

India Shines Bright at Paris Paralympics: A Record-Breaking Medal Haul

India has made history at the Paris Paralympics, surpassing its previous best performance with an impressive total of 20 medals, including 3 golds, 7 silvers, and 10 bronzes. This marks a significant improvement from the 19 medals achieved in Tokyo three years ago. With a standout performance in track and field events, India has climbed to the 17th position on the medal table by the sixth day of the Games.Stellar Performances in Track and FieldJavelin TriumphsIn the men’s javelin throw F46 category, Ajeet Singh and Sundar Singh Gurjar showcased India's prowess. Singh clinched silver with a throw of 65.62 meters, while Gurjar, the world record holder, earned bronze with a throw of 64.96 meters. High Jump HeroesThe high jump T63 finals saw remarkable performances from Sharad Kumar and Mariyappan Thangavelu. Kumar secured silver with a jump of 1.88 meters, and Thangavelu, the Tokyo Paralympics gold medalist, won bronze with 1.85 meters. These athletes compete in the T63 category, which includes those with impairments in one leg or missing limbs above the knee.(Source: Google Images)Rising Stars and Remarkable AchievementsDeepthi Jeevanji's BreakthroughOne of the standout performers of the Games, Deepthi Jeevanji, won bronze in the women’s 400m (T20) event. The 20-year-old sprinter clocked 55.82 seconds, securing her place behind Ukraine’s Yuliia Shuliar and Turkey’s Aysel Onder. Jeevanji, who hails from Kalleda Village in Telangana, made a stunning debut at the Paralympics, continuing her impressive form from the Asian Para Games and the Para World Championships.Avani Lekhara's Mixed CampaignAvani Lekhara, who made history as the first Indian woman to win consecutive Paralympic gold medals, narrowly missed out on another podium finish. She competed in the women’s 50m rifle 3 positions SH1 event and placed fifth with a score of 420.6. Despite this, her earlier triumph in the 10m air rifle event remains a significant highlight of her campaign.Challenges and Close CallsIn other events, Bhagyashri Jadhav, competing in her second Paralympics, finished fifth in the women’s shot put (F34) with a throw of 7.28 meters. Her strong performance, despite missing out on a medal, highlights her resilience and dedication. In archery, Pooja Jatyan’s journey ended in the quarterfinals, where she lost a close match to China’s Wu Chunyan. Jatyan’s performance was a testament to her skill and determination, pushing a seasoned competitor to the edge.Paris Paralympics have been a landmark event for India, with athletes setting new benchmarks and surpassing past achievements. The country's record-breaking medal tally reflects the remarkable talent and dedication of its para-athletes, who continue to inspire and achieve extraordinary feats on the global stage.

4 Sep 2024
Good News

The High Jumper Who Leapt Over Life's Hurdles: Nishad Kumar's Inspiring Tale

Nishad Kumar always dreamt of serving in the Indian Army. Growing up in the small village of Badaun near Amb in Himachal Pradesh, he was captivated by the sight of Army soldiers on vacation and aspired to join their ranks. But life had different plans. At the age of eight, Kumar suffered a life-altering accident when his hand was caught in a fodder-cutting machine. Despite losing a hand, his spirit remained unbroken.On Sunday night, he made the nation proud by winning a silver medal in the men’s high jump T47 final with a jump of 2.04 meters.Rising Above AdversityThe accident in 2007 could have ended many dreams, but for Nishad Kumar, it was just the beginning of a new journey. His father, Rashpal Singh, a farmer and mason, and his mother, Pushpa Devi, provided him with unending support. Nishad returned to school just three months after the accident. His resilience was clear when he expressed his determination to continue with his dreams, asking the doctors if he could still join the Army.Kumar’s journey into athletics began at the Saraswati Vidya Mandir School in Katohur Khurd, where coach Ramesh noticed his potential. Taller than most kids his age, Nishad initially participated in various sports, including the 100m, 200m, and high jump. His early days were marked by a fierce desire to compete with able-bodied peers. “He always told the coach he wanted to compete with the able-bodied kids because he felt equal to them,” recalls his elder sister, Rama Kumari.The First Taste of SuccessNishad’s determination bore fruit when he won a silver medal in the high jump at the sub-junior School National Games in Patiala. This achievement was a turning point, leading him to pursue athletics more seriously. In 2017, he moved to Panchkula to train under coaches Naseem Ahmad and Vikram Chaudhary, who had previously coached Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra.Nishad’s coaches recognized his potential early on, but they faced the challenge of refining his technique. “Nishad’s biggest strength was his belief in competing at the highest level,” says coach Chaudhary. Transitioning from the scissors kick to the more advanced Fosbury Flop technique, where jumpers land on their backs, required significant training and adaptation. However, his initial technique helped him develop core strength and a powerful knee drive, which became his assets in high jump.Source: Google ImagesReaching New HeightsKumar's commitment to improving his skills led to a series of impressive achievements. In 2019, he set a personal best of 2.0 meters at the World Para Championship in Dubai. By the time he competed in Tokyo in 2021, he had increased his jump to 2.06 meters, earning a silver medal in the men’s high jump T47 final. To prepare for the Paris Paralympics, Kumar trained under renowned coach Jeremy Fischer, who also coached Olympic medallist Will Claye, at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center in the USA. This exposure to high-level coaching and world-class facilities played a crucial role in refining his technique and boosting his performance. Achieving Paralympic GloryOn September 1, Nishad Kumar once again demonstrated his prowess by winning the silver medal in the men’s high jump T47 final with a jump of 2.04 meters. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday hailed Nishad Kumar's spectacular achievement at the Paralympics, showering him with praise. "Congrats to @nishad_hj for his remarkable achievement in winning a Silver medal in the Men's High Jump T47 event at the #Paralympics2024! He has shown us all that with passion and determination, everything is possible. India is elated," PM Modi wrote on X.Nishad Kumar’s journey from a young boy who lost his hand in a tragic accident to a Paralympic silver medallist serves as an inspiration to many. He shows us all that no dream is too big, and no hurdle too high.

2 Sep 2024
Good News

Deepthi Jeevanji bags 1st Indian Gold at World Para Athletics

Deepthi Jeevanji's strong determination and silent resilience spoke volumes even before she set foot on the track. Underneath her quiet demeanor lay a remarkable tale of triumph over adversity, a story that unfolded with every stride she took towards greatness. Coach Nagpuri Ramesh, renowned for mentoring athletes like Dutee Chand, recognized something exceptional in Deepthi. Despite her exhaustive workouts, she never complained. But Ramesh sensed something amiss; she couldn't express pain like others, prompting him to investigate further. A visit to the National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities revealed Deepthi's truth: she was intellectually impaired. This didn’t dampen her spirit, instead with her coach’s support, she started participating in para sports, igniting a journey that would redefine her limits. In Kobe, at the World Para Athletics Championships, Deepthi scripted history, clinching the 400m sprint (T20) gold with a world record time of 55.07s. Her triumph not only secured her a berth in the Paris Paralympics but also etched her name as the first Indian to clinch gold in track events at the world para championships. Her journey began in the humble village of Kalleda, Telangana. Her parents, then daily wage earners, couldn't afford sports training for their daughter. Ramesh's intervention and Gopichand's support, both financial and moral, paved her path. Despite her challenges, Deepthi's rise was relentless. Despite obstacles, Deepthi persisted, training with able-bodied athletes, yet still needing gentle guidance like a child from her mentor. Deepthi Strikes Gold Source: Google Images Deepthi's success wasn't hers alone; it transcended to her family. From facing societal taunts to basking in pride, her parents witnessed a transformation. The accolades and rewards she garnered allowed them to reclaim lost lands and revive their livelihood through farming. As Deepthi prepares for Paralympic glory in Paris, her journey is one of resilience, determination, and the power of belief. In her quiet strength lies an indomitable spirit that continues to inspire generations, proving that limitations exist only in the mind.

21 May 2024
Good News

Deepa Malik Is the First Woman Para-Athlete to Win the Khel Ratna Award

Deepa Malik is delighted about winning the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award and is the only other para-athlete to win this award after Devendra Jhajharia in 2017. She shares this prestigious award with wrestler Bajrang Punia. “There is an assumption that para-athletes represent only 5% of the country, but we never go with 5% of the Flag, do we?” these emphatic words of Deepa Malik reveal her passion and dedication towards her sport. Admirable Achievements Deepa Malik became the first Indian woman to win a medal in Paralympic Games when she won a Silver medal at the 2016 Summer Paralympics in Shot Put event. She has also won gold in F-53/54 Javelin event at the para athletic Grand Prix held in Dubai in 2018. She even competed in a new event – Discus throw and bagged the bronze medal at the 2018 Asian Para Games. She created a New Asian Record in Asian Para Games 2018 and is the only Indian woman to win medals in 3 consecutive Asian Para Games (2010, 2014, 2018). The Khel Ratna Award The Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award is India’s highest sporting honour. Wrestler Bajrang Punia is the co-recipient of the honour this year and Deepa Malik is very happy for him. She said that Bajrang’s mentor and former Khel Ratna awardee Yogeshwar Dutt hails from her village and so it is celebration time in her village. Deepa Malik is also the proud recipient of the Arjuna award in 2012 and the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2017. Image Source: myKhel

19 Aug 2019
Good News

First Para Athlete to win the coveted Khel Ratna!

Devendra Jhajharia has become the first Para Athlete to be recommended for India’s highest sport’s honour ‘Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna’. The award selection committee led by Justice (Retd) C K Thakkar said that Devendra was their first choice for the award! The second Indian sportsman is India’s hockey player Sardar Singh. 36 year old Devendra is a Javelin thrower and is the first Indian to win two Paralympic gold medals! The first gold was from 2004 Athens Games and the second was from 2016 Rio’s Paralympics. He also set new world records during both his wins. He had also bagged gold in 2013 World Championships. Sardar is India’s ace hockey player who has always been at par with excellence. He is considered an ace midfielder in the world! He also was the youngest player to become captain of the Indian Hockey team at the 2008 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. Sardar has two Asian Games medals, the bronze in 2010 Guangzhou and the gold in 2014 Incheon. He has also bagged two silver medals at the two Commonwealth Games and has also got the honoured of being named twice amongst the International Hockey Federation's All-Star team. In 2015, he was awarded India’s fourth highest civilian award, ‘the Padma Shri’. Whether both or either of the two would get the award is yet to be decided.

4 Aug 2017
Good News

Positive Reads

84 Bravehearts, Countless Dreams: India's Largest Squad Eyes Paralympic Glory.

As the Paralympic Games kick off on 28 August, India is sending its largest-ever contingent of para-athletes—84 strong and comprising a mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers. Their mission: to surpass their previous achievements and secure a target of more than 25 medals, including a double-digit count in gold.India's Ambitious GoalThis ambition is fueled by recent successes. In the 2021 Tokyo Paralympics, India set a new benchmark by winning 19 medals, including five golds, placing 24th in the overall rankings. Three years later, the country's expectations have grown, thanks in part to an impressive performance at the Hangzhou Asian Para Games, where Indian athletes clinched a record 111 medals, including 29 golds. This was followed by another stellar show at the World Para Athletics Championships in May, where India won 17 medals, including six golds, finishing sixth in the overall standings.Star Athletes to WatchSeveral top athletes who excelled in recent events are part of the Paralympic team. Among them are world record-holding javelin thrower Sumit Antil (F64) and rifle shooter Avani Lekhara (10m Air Rifle Standing SH1), both defending their gold medals from Tokyo. Antil, whose left leg was amputated after an accident at age 17, aims to surpass his own record by throwing over 75 meters in Paris, at the same venue where Neeraj Chopra recently won an Olympic silver. Lekhara, who made history as the first Indian woman to win a Paralympic gold, is ready to add to her medal tally, having already won gold and bronze in Tokyo.Shooter Avani Lekhara (Source: Goolgle Images)Diverse Talents, Unique StoriesIndia’s team this year spans a diverse range of talents and inspiring stories. Para-archer Sheetal Devi, born without arms, competes using her legs and has already bagged multiple medals at the Asian Para Games. Shot putter Hokato Sema and rower Narayana Konganapalle, both landmine blast survivors, are among the other medal hopefuls. Manish Narwal, a shooter, and Krishna Nagar, a shuttler, will also be defending their gold medals from Tokyo.India's participation has expanded to 12 sports this time, compared to nine in Tokyo, reflecting the growth and increasing confidence in the nation’s para-athletic capabilities. The para-athletics team has historically been a major contributor to India’s medal tally and is expected to deliver once again with 38 athletes in the fray.Each athlete has overcome significant physical challenges to compete at the highest level, embodying the spirit of the Paralympic Games, which celebrate both athletic excellence and human endurance.The current President of the Paralympics Committee of India, Devendra Jhajharia, himself a decorated javelin thrower with two golds and a silver from past Paralympics, has been a driving force behind the growth of para-sports in India. His leadership has helped pave the way for the current generation of athletes, who continue to push the boundaries of what is possible.Historic Opening CeremonyFor the first time, the opening ceremony will be held outside a stadium. The Indian flag will be jointly carried by Sumit Antil and shot putter Bhagyashri Jadhav, who recently won a silver in the F34 event at the Asian Para Games. This moment symbolizes not just a historic beginning for the Paralympic Games but also a symbol of hope and inspiration for para-athletes across India.With a blend of youth and experience, India’s para-athlete contingent is poised to make history at the Paralympic Games. As they prepare to compete, the nation looks on with hope and pride, ready to celebrate their achievements on the world stage.

28 Aug 2024
Positive Reads

Chandu Champion: The Incredible Journey of Murlikant Petkar

The name Murlikant Petkar may not ring a bell for many, but his story is one of unparalleled inspiration and perseverance. Born in Sangli, Maharashtra, Petkar's childhood dreams of achieving greatness in sports seemed improbable. Yet, his unwavering determination propelled him to heights that few could imagine. "Chandu Champion," a film starring Kartik Aaryan, brings this forgotten hero's story back to life, reminding us of his extraordinary journey to winning India’s first Paralympic gold medal in swimming. Murlikant Petkar's journey began in a small village akhada, where he was known as a puny 'pehelwan' with an indomitable spirit. From a young age, he aspired to bring honor to his country through sports. This ambition led him to join the Indian Army, where he trained to be a boxer and displayed exceptional talent. However, his dreams were abruptly interrupted by the 1965 war against Pakistan. Source: Google Images During the war, Petkar sustained severe injuries, including a bullet lodged in his spine, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down. The life he knew, full of physical prowess and military discipline, was shattered. Forced to retire from the Army, he faced the grim reality of his new limitations. But Murlikant Petkar was not one to surrender to fate. Determined to continue pursuing his passion for sports, Petkar shifted his focus to swimming, a sport where his lower-body paralysis would not hinder his performance as much. Training with relentless dedication, he set his sights on the 1972 Summer Paralympics in Heidelberg, Germany. His journey was fraught with challenges, both physical and emotional. Against all odds, Murlikant Petkar made it to the Paralympics, where he competed in multiple events including swimming, javelin, precision javelin throw, and slalom. His crowning achievement came in the 50-meter freestyle swimming event, where he not only won the gold medal but also set a world record with a time of 37.33 seconds. His victory was not just a personal triumph; it was a moment of national pride, as he became the first Indian to win a Paralympic gold medal. Source: Google Images Kartik Aaryan's portrayal of Murlikant Petkar in "Chandu Champion" is both compelling and heartfelt. The film traces Petkar’s life from his days as a young wrestler in his village, through his Army training, and his near-victory as a boxer, to his incredible achievements as a Paralympic athlete. Aaryan’s performance captures the essence of Petkar’s spirit, making audiences root for the character through every high and low. Murlikant Petkar’s story is not just about winning a medal; it is about the relentless pursuit of a dream, the courage to defy expectations, and the will to transform adversity into victory. Through "Chandu Champion," audiences can witness the incredible life of a man who refused to let his circumstances define him and instead chose to rise above them, bringing glory to himself and his country.

18 Jun 2024
Positive Reads

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