Empowering Visions: The Journey of Blind Athletes Rakshitha and Simran

Rakshitha Raju and Simran Sharma, blind athletes from India, exemplify determination as they push boundaries in para athletics. With the support of their guide runners, they have achieved historic milestones, including Paralympic participation and international accolades, while advocating for better recognition and support for guide runners.

Rakshitha Raju and Simran Sharma, two extraordinary blind athletes from India, are inspiring a new vision of possibility in para athletics. At just 24 years old, Rakshitha has already made history as the first blind Indian woman to compete in the 1500m event at the Paralympics, showing resilience that contrasts sharply with the skepticism she faced growing up in her village. "Everyone said, 'She is blind; she is a waste,'" recalls Rakshitha, who lost both her parents by age ten and was raised by her hearing and speech impaired grandmother.

When Rakshitha was a teenager, a sports teacher recognized her athletic potential and introduced her to the concept of guide running. With a tether connecting her to her guide, they trained together, tackling the unique challenges that come with her visual impairment. Her guide runner, Rahul Balakrishna, has played an essential role in her success. Despite the government not funding guide runners, he devoted himself to coaching and guiding Rakshitha and even helped her relocate to Bangalore for better training opportunities.

The duo has been inseparable for over eight years, claiming gold medals at Asian Games and receiving a warm homecoming in Rakshitha's village. This acceptance is a stark contrast to the disdain she faced earlier in her life, and it highlights how inspiring her achievements have become. Even after competing in the 2024 Paris Paralympics and missing out on a medal, Rakshitha’s journey continues to resonate with hope.

Simran Sharma, on the other hand, faced her own hurdles as the only other visually impaired female athlete from India to qualify for the Paralympics. After a rocky start with her guide, Abhay Kumar, the pair swiftly learned to sync up during runs, culminating in Simran winning a bronze medal in Paris. Their success reflects a growing awareness about the role of guide runners, though Abhay harbors concerns about his future in the sport as no financial support is provided for guides.

Both athletes now have sponsorships to assist with training costs, but the ongoing demand for better support structures and career opportunities for guide runners remains paramount. With ambitions set on future competitions, including the upcoming Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, both Rakshitha and Simran are steadfast in their resolve to elevate the status of para athletics in India. Rakshitha’s hope to become a role model for other aspiring athletes punctuates her journey as a beacon of possibility in the face of adversity.