Blind Athletes Break Barriers in Indian Sports

Two blind Indian athletes, Rakshitha Raju and Simran Sharma, are making waves in para athletics, demonstrating the importance of guide runners in their journeys and the challenges they face in securing support for their guides.

In a remarkable display of perseverance, two blind Indian athletes, Rakshitha Raju and Simran Sharma, are shattering preconceived notions of disability in athletics. Rakshitha Raju, 24, from a remote village in southern India, overcame adversity, including the loss of both parents by age 10 and societal stigma regarding her blindness. Her inspiring journey began when a sports teacher discovered her potential, leading to her becoming the first blind Indian woman to compete in the 1500m at the Paralympics.

Rakshitha's transformation reflects not only her talent but the unwavering support of her guide runner, Rahul Balakrishna. Their partnership, which started in 2016, has flourished over the years, evidenced by their joint victories at the Asian Games. Rakshitha emphasizes her deep trust in Rahul, stating, "I believe in my guide runner more than myself."

While Rakshitha's journey showcases progress in Indian para sports, another athlete, Simran Sharma, has her own story. Initially competing without a guide due to her partial sight, Simran realized the necessity of a guide after facing challenges at the Tokyo Paralympics. She found Abhay Kumar, a fellow athlete, to assist her, and they achieved significant success at the recent Paralympics in Paris, where Simran won a bronze in the 200m.

Despite their achievements, both Rakshitha and Simran's guides face challenges due to a lack of financial support from the Paralympic Committee of India. While guide runners receive medals for their partnerships with visually impaired athletes, the absence of salaries or career stability remains a pressing concern. Both Rakshitha and Simran advocate for better support systems for their guides, which could involve public sector opportunities similar to those available for the athletes themselves.

As they look forward to future competitions, Rakshitha and Simran aim to inspire disabled individuals in rural India, proving that one's abilities are not defined by their disabilities. Their journeys underscore the critical roles that guide runners play in para athletics, paving the way for greater recognition and support for both athletes and their guides.