8 Disabled Indian Sports Heroes Who Inspire Us Everyday

People must note that differently abled people do not need sympathy, they need our encouragement.

It is sad to know that special people still in our country are looked upon as a disgrace to our society. Not only they are belittled but also many still believe that intellectual or physical disability is result of a curse or black magic.

But we are glad that some special stars are defying their limits and turning their parents and society’s regret in to their pride and honor.

25th July, marks the commencement of the 14^th edition of Special Olympics World Summer.

This sporting event is in Los Angeles this year and includes participation from intellectually disabled. Today we are celebrating the differently abled sports lovers who have showcased their extraordinary tale of grit and have brought laurels to our nation.

Below is the list of nine disabled Indian sports heroes who have glorified our country’s sporting fraternity.

1. Rajkumar Tiwari-Ice Skating

Rajkumar turned his intellectual disability into an opportunity. He is India’s lone Special Olympics gold medalist.

2. Girish Sharma- Badminton.

Girish Sharma lost his one leg in a train accident but he did not let his passion for badminton fade away. He is a true example of how one can achieve what he wants, no matter how many hurdles one has to face. He has bagged many medals at national and international championships.

3. Malathi Krishnamurthy Holla- Shot put, Discus, Javelin

She fought with her disability and emerged victorious. She was awarded with Arjuna Award as well as Padma Shri. Holla has won over 400 medals for our nation.

4. Rajendra Singh Rahelu- Power lifter

Rajendra is known for his love and craze for power lifting and his never say die attitude always led him to win many medals in competitions.

5. H Boniface Prabhu- Tennis

 Prabhu’s lumbar puncture made him a quadriplegic for the rest of his life but that never stopped him. And now he is a very prominent quadriplegic wheelchair tennis player. He was awarded in many world championships and the Padma Shri.

6. Shekar Naik- Cricket

Shekhar Naik never knew how to lead a special life and that’s why he became a T20 Blind Cricket World Champion and boasts of 32 centuries as well. We simply salute his grit and dedication for cricket.

7. Girisha H Nagarajegowda- High Jump

Girish was born with a disability in his left leg but he made sure that he proves his mettle in the field of sports. He  represented our nation in Paralympics 2012 and also bagged silver medal.

8. Devendra Jhajharia- Javelin Throw

After many years, he was the one who bagged the yellow medal for our nation in Paralympics. He was also bestowed with Arjuna award for his great dedication towards sports.

Instead of giving sympathetic look to all those special people, one must encourage their spirit. We deeply feel proud for all these stars for bringing glory to our nation.