Ques. You have been a silver medalist at Paralympics in Discus Throw. How did you step into this field?
Ans. This happened during college. One of my seniors told me about Paralympics and he motivated me to go and try it. But I was a little hesitant as I was doing B.com then and my focus was on studies. After 2-3 days, I went with him and got interested in the sport. That was the time my journey began.
Ques. When did you realize you can take up sports as your profession?
Ans. When I qualified for the Asian Para Games in 2018, I realized that I can take this sport as my full-time profession.
Ques. When you qualified for Asian Para Games in 2018. How was that feeling?
Ans. When you represent your country at an international level it feels good. I was motivated to bring medals for the country. Though I came 4th in Asian games overall, it was a very good experience as we were treated well and were recognized very well.
Ques. When you joined KMC, Sachin sir motivated you to go for the Paralympics. What role does he play in your journey?
Ans. He has a very big and important role in my life. As he advised me to join sports, I got a very good career too where I am doing good and something that interests me. Everyone goes for studies but I always wanted to pursue something different. It feels good and I keep meeting him. I feel grateful and elated that he changed my life.
Ques. When you were 9, unfortunately, you were diagnosed with GB Syndrome and overcame it in just 3 years. How did you overcome it?
Ans. I suffered GB syndrome when I was 9. It was difficult as I was a kid and I used to play a lot and suddenly I was in a wheelchair for 2 years which is a big thing. Recovery in this syndrome is next to impossible and difficult. In fact, there is no treatment for this problem. My mother had learned physiotherapy and treated me with physiotherapy. The emotion of walking again was unexplainable.
Ques. Usually, people don’t know about this syndrome. Can you please give a brief on what it is?
Ans. GB syndrome is related to a neurological disorder. It is connected to neurological conditions leading to muscle weakness and many other things.
Ques. As you were in a wheelchair for 2 years. How did you motivate yourself to get active again and play sports?
Ans. Before the incident, I used to play with my friends. But after I started walking again, there was as such no proper or regular walking. Initially, I was only able to cover short distances. I felt good when I started walking as I was able to do my work myself.
Ques. How do you deal with failure?
Ans. There are a lot of things I faced in my life. I believe there are two parts of human behaviour- controllable and uncontrollable. Part of Human behaviour is uncontrollable so if some people say something that doesn’t contribute towards your growth, that should not affect you. Your own mind is controllable you should listen to your mind and act upon things. You’ll be a step ahead in the journey of being successful.
Ques. With playing the sport, what is your main aim or target of your life?
Ans. I aim to open the academy which I am currently working on. When the fund will reach the desired amount, I’ll open the academy for those who are financially weak and face a lot of problems while playing the sport in Chandigarh. It will be complete in a month or two.
Ques. As you are in the sports field, what would you like to advise your peers or juniors?
Ans. The first thing when it comes to athletics is leaving the family. I have not been to my home for even a month in 7 years. Your main target should be to bring the medal starting from domestic to national to international. Start with small targets. Hard work is the most important thing. Also, do not stop even after getting medals.
Ques. When you entered college Sachin sir helped you, when you were diagnosed with GB syndrome your mother helped you. There might be more people who contributed to your growth.
Ans. In school a lot of students used to bully me contrary to how was I treated in college. In college, disability was never a problem as the way people saw disability was different. My college friends used to see me as a friend not a disabled and supported me throughout my college life. So, at different stages, different people help you just like when I entered college Sachin sir motivated me to join the sport and my mother treated me when I was diagnosed with GB syndrome.
Ques. How do you use to handle the bullies in school?
Ans. The best way is to ignore them.
Ques. You are a silver medalist at the Paralympics now. There might be a lot of recognition that you might be getting. You might have met the Prime Minister too. How is that feeling?
Ans. That emotion is inexpressible. I never thought the Paralympics will have such a craze this time. I received and met a lot of people and it feels good to be recognized. Winning silver at Paralympics is a big thing but maintaining and improving that achievement is also important with adoring that recognition. I got an opportunity to talk to our PM before going for the competition and also had a chat with him on a phone call after receiving the medal. We were also invited to PM’s house after coming back. It was a proud moment for me to visit him at his house.
Ques. How do you stay grounded in spite of all the recognition you get?
Ans. I believe in simple living and high thinking.
Ques. What would your advice to everybody in general?
Ans. I would say do leave everything and do what interests you whether it is dance, music, or academics. There’s no compulsion to do CA if you take commerce or B.tech if you take science. Doing what interests you will give you utmost satisfaction.
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