Two remarkable blind athletes, Rakshitha Raju and Simran Sharma, are breaking boundaries in Indian para athletics, showcasing the profound impact of guide runners in their journey towards Paralympic success.
Blind Indian Athletes Forge Strong Bonds with Their Guide Runners
Blind Indian Athletes Forge Strong Bonds with Their Guide Runners
Inspiring journeys of Rakshitha Raju and Simran Sharma highlight the power of partnership in Paralympic sports.
Rakshitha Raju, a trailblazing middle-distance athlete, was born blind in a remote Indian village. Despite facing adversity, including the loss of her parents, she found her passion for athletics through a supportive sports teacher who introduced her to the concept of running with a guide. Her journey is intertwined with that of Rahul Balakrishna, her dedicated guide runner of eight years, who has invested his resources and time to help her excel. Together, they’ve clinched medals at the Asian Games and made history by qualifying for the Paralympics.
Simran Sharma, another determined athlete, also encountered the challenges of being visually impaired. After initially racing alone, she realized she needed a guide to support her on the track. Her partnership with Abhay Kumar, a young athlete eager for experience, has led to both hurdles and triumphs, including winning a bronze medal at the recent Paralympics in Paris.
Despite their achievements, both Rakshitha and Simran face uncertainties regarding their guide runners' future prospects. The Paralympic Committee of India offers limited support for guides, leaving many to seek alternative career paths while helping their athletes. Nevertheless, both women remain hopeful for the future, determined to inspire others and pursue their dreams of winning gold medals in upcoming competitions.
Simran Sharma, another determined athlete, also encountered the challenges of being visually impaired. After initially racing alone, she realized she needed a guide to support her on the track. Her partnership with Abhay Kumar, a young athlete eager for experience, has led to both hurdles and triumphs, including winning a bronze medal at the recent Paralympics in Paris.
Despite their achievements, both Rakshitha and Simran face uncertainties regarding their guide runners' future prospects. The Paralympic Committee of India offers limited support for guides, leaving many to seek alternative career paths while helping their athletes. Nevertheless, both women remain hopeful for the future, determined to inspire others and pursue their dreams of winning gold medals in upcoming competitions.
