In a remarkable narrative of resilience and determination, the journey of Rakshitha Raju, a blind para-athlete from India, has captured hearts and highlighted crucial social issues surrounding disability, sports, and empowerment. Born blind in a remote village and raised by her grandmother, who herself is hearing and speech impaired, Rakshitha faced immense adversity from a young age. Despite facing societal stigma—being labeled a “waste” by her community—she transformed her life through sports, showcasing the potential of disabled athletes when given the right support.
Rakshitha’s introduction to athletics came at the age of 13 when a sports teacher recognized her potential and explained the concept of guide running—an adaptation that allows visually impaired athletes to participate in competitive sports. With the assistance of guides, these athletes can overcome physical barriers and engage in training that enables them to compete at high levels. It was during the National Games in 2016 that Rakshitha met Rahul Balakrishna, her guide runner, who not only took on the role out of passion but also a sense of responsibility to help bridge the gap in the support system for visually impaired athletes.
This partnership has proven to be successful, culminating in gold medal victories at both the 2018 and 2023 Asian Games. Their story goes beyond just sports; it is an inspiring testament to the power of support systems that empower individuals to rise above their circumstances. The acknowledgment and acceptance they received upon returning to Rakshitha’s village after her victories is a crucial aspect of their journey—the same community that once scorned her celebrated her achievements, illustrating how sports can challenge societal perceptions of disability.
The significance of guide runners like Rahul is monumental. They are not just aides; they are mentors and motivators. The bond built through shared aspirations and struggles enables visually impaired athletes to thrive in competitive environments. Their guidance during races—alerting athletes to curves, competitors overtaking, and pacing—underscores the importance of trust and communication in achieving success on the track. As Rakshitha eloquently states, “I believe in my guide runner more than myself,” highlighting the mutual reliance that forms the backbone of their athletic partnership.
However, despite the considerable progress, challenges remain in this unique sporting ecosystem. The financial support structures for guide runners are nearly non-existent in India. Although guides receive medals when the athletes succeed, they are not compensated for their time or effort in a way that reflects the importance of their role. This oversight is evident in the experiences of both Rakshitha and Simran Sharma, another visually impaired athlete celebrated for her achievements, including winning a bronze medal at the 2024 Paralympics.
Simran’s journey highlights the difficulties in finding suitable guide runners. The training and synchronization required for successful competitive participation can be daunting. Her valuable partnership with Abhay Kumar started off with challenges, but through intimacy in training and shared experiences, they secured a silver medal in the 200m at the Paralympics.
The Sporadic support from the Paralympic Committee of India, which only covers short-term needs, indicates a need for a systemic overhaul to ensure guides receive the proper resources, career development opportunities, and financial security for their invaluable contributions. This lack of sustainable support poses a risk to the future of visually impaired athletics in India, as guides like Abhay may seek opportunities elsewhere, leading to a potential talent drain in this niche sector.
The stories of Rakshitha and Simran resonate with broader implications for how society views and supports disability in athletics. They shine a light on the empowerment that can stem from visibility in sports, inspiring a new generation of athletes by breaking stereotypes. Initiatives like the BBC Indian Sportswoman Of The Year Award aim to recognize and celebrate such talents, emphasizing that when society places value on these athletes’ achievements, it not only uplifts individual lives but can also shift community perceptions and cultural attitudes towards disability.
Moving forward, fostering a culture of inclusivity and support for all athletes, regardless of their disability or ability status, will be crucial for holistic development in sports. As Rakshitha and Simran set their sights on future competitions, it is essential to pave the way for more extensive support and recognition for guide runners who play an instrumental role in these athletes’ journeys.
In conclusion, the emergence of visually impaired athletes in India’s sports scene, epitomized by Rakshitha Raju and Simran Sharma, serves as an inspirational beacon. Their experiences not only challenge societal norms around disability and capability but also advocate for systemic changes that ensure all athletes have equitable access to the resources they need to excel. It is a call to action for stakeholders in sports, policy-makers, and society to invest in and prioritize the development of para-athletics, highlighting the potential within every individual to achieve greatness, regardless of their challenges. Through continued support and acknowledgment, we can ensure that disability in sports is seen not as a limitation but as a platform for exceptional achievement and inspiration.
