Against the backdrop of skepticism, Indian blind athletes Rakshitha Raju and Simran Sharma showcase remarkable achievements in para athletics, emphasizing the vital role of guide runners in their journeys as they strive for gold medals in upcoming competitions.
Blind Athletes Defy Odds Through Trust and Teamwork
Blind Athletes Defy Odds Through Trust and Teamwork
Rakshitha Raju and Simran Sharma inspire as they break barriers in para athletics with their dedicated guide runners.
When Rakshitha Raju was a child, the bleak narrative surrounding her disability was common—people in her village dismissed her dreams because she was blind. Now, at age 24, she stands tall as one of India's prominent middle-distance para-athletes. "It makes me so proud," she reflects on her evolution.
Born blind in a remote southern Indian village, Rakshitha endured the loss of both parents by the age of 10 and was raised by her grandmother, who understands her struggles due to her own hearing and speech impairments. By 13, she gained a spark of hope when a teacher discovered her potential for athletics.
“How could I run on a track I can't see?” was her initial confusion. Her teacher explained the concept of guide runners who support visually impaired athletes during races. This pivotal guidance transformed her life.
At first, classmates helped Rakshitha navigate the tracks, but it was during the National Games in 2016 that she met Rahul Balakrishna, a middle-distance runner himself. Seeing the potential in her, Rahul decided to mentor her after the Paralympic Committee of India introduced him to para athletics. He dedicated his own resources to help Rakshitha move to Bangalore in 2018 for better training facilities.
Their bond has grown stronger with each stride, leading them to gold medals at both the 2018 and 2023 Asian Games. Rakshitha became the first blind Indian woman to compete in the Paralympics, making history in Paris 2024 where her journey continued, albeit without a medal this time.
Similarly, Simran Sharma emerged as another beacon of hope. Initially running alone, Simran faced challenges before recognizing the necessity of a guide. It took time for her to find Abhay Kumar, who eventually became her guide. Their initial races together were tough and ended in disqualification due to miscommunication. However, they rebounded, winning gold in the 200m at the World Para Athletics Championships.
At the Paralympics in Paris, Simran became the first Indian female athlete with a visual impairment to earn a medal, securing bronze in the 200m. Despite her triumphs, the uncertainty of guide support lingers. Abhay, like Rahul, is seeking more recognition and financial backing for his contributions.
Both athletes share aspirations for future competitions, hoping to upgrade their medals to gold. They tightly grasp the respect and motivation they now generate in their communities. “Rakshitha would be a role model for them,” Rahul says, dreaming of a day when more like her will have opportunities to shine in sports.
The BBC Indian Sportswoman Of The Year (ISWOTY) Award is highlighting these inspiring journeys, honoring remarkable achievements of women athletes across India, with the winner set to be announced on February 17.
