**Two inspiring Indian blind athletes achieve remarkable feats with the aid of dedicated guide runners, challenging stereotypes and paving paths for future athletes.**
**Blind Indian Athletes Triumph Together Against Odds**
**Blind Indian Athletes Triumph Together Against Odds**
**Rakshitha Raju and Simran Sharma Shine in the Face of Adversity**
In a remarkable journey of resilience and determination, Indian para-athletes Rakshitha Raju and Simran Sharma have transformed the perception of disability in sports while achieving monumental success with the help of their guide runners.
Rakshitha Raju, now 24, was born blind in a small village in southern India and grew up facing harsh judgment from others who labeled her as "a waste." After losing her parents at an early age, she was raised by her deaf grandmother, who provided her with tremendous support. "Both of us are disabled, so my grandma understood me,” Rakshitha recalls, embodying strength in their unique bond.
Her introduction to athletics at the age of 13 changed her life when a school teacher spotted her potential and revealed that visually impaired runners could have guides. Initial guidance came from her classmates, but everything changed when middle-distance runner Rahul Balakrishna discovered her during the National Games in 2016. Rahul stepped up to become her guide runner, investing time and money to improve Rakshitha's opportunities for training in Bangalore.
Their bond deepened over eight years of training together. Rakshitha, who competes tethered to Rahul, exclaims, "I believe in my guide runner more than myself," a testament to the trust built through their partnership. The pair celebrated their success with gold medals at the 2018 and 2023 Asian Games, while Rakshitha became the first blind Indian woman to qualify for the Paralympics, competing in Paris 2024.
Simran Sharma, another trailblazing athlete, emerged as India's only other blind female competitor at the Paralympics, bringing home a bronze medal. Initially running alone, Simran faced challenges finding a compatible guide until she met Abhay Kumar, a young athlete willing to support her. Their journey began with some confusion, leading to a disqualification at their first event. Yet, through perseverance, they secured a gold medal in their second event.
Despite their achievements, questions about support for guide runners loom large. While both athletes manage sponsorship deals and compensation for their guides, they hope for more substantial acknowledgment and resource allocation from the Paralympic Committee of India. The duo’s journeys symbolize hope for many in similar situations, with Rakshitha aspiring to inspire others by achieving medal glory in future competitions.
As the BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year award prepares to highlight such exemplary feats, the dedication showcased by individuals like Rakshitha, Simran, and their guide runners continues to challenge existing stereotypes and reshape the narratives surrounding disability in sports.
