**Blind Indian Athletes Inspire with Triumphs and Challenges in Paralympics**

**Through dedication and support from their guide runners, these visually impaired athletes aim for greater recognition and success in sports.**

24-year-old Rakshitha Raju, a blind athlete from a small village in southern India, reflects on her journey, saying, "I believe in my guide runner more than myself." Once regarded as a 'waste' due to her disability, she has emerged as one of India's premier middle-distance para athletes.

Rakshitha's life transformed when she lost both parents by the age of ten and was raised by her hearing- and speech-impaired grandmother. "My grandma understood me because we both are disabled," Rakshitha recalls. Her potential was recognized by a sports teacher at school, who introduced her to the concept of guide runners, allowing visually impaired athletes to run with a tether.

In 2016, at the age of 15, she met Rahul Balakrishna, a middle-distance runner who became her guide and coach. Despite the challenges, including financial constraints—guides are not paid by the government—Rahul dedicated himself to Rakshitha's training, relocating her to Bangalore for better opportunities. Together, they developed a strong bond, emphasized by mutual trust and effective communication on the track.

The duo achieved remarkable success, winning gold medals at the 2018 and 2023 Asian Games, and Rakshitha making history as the first blind Indian woman to compete in the 1500m at the Paralympics in Paris 2024. Although they did not medal in Paris, they received a hero's welcome upon returning home, a stark contrast to the taunts Rakshitha faced in her youth.

Simran Sharma, another prominent visually impaired athlete, follows her own path, having recently secured a bronze medal at the same event. Initially running solo, she encountered challenges and eventually sought guidance from Abhay Kumar, who transitioned from competitor to guide. Although their initial races were rocky, they found success in the 200m at the World Para Athletics Championships in Japan, where Simran won gold.

However, Simran expressed concerns about the future of her partnership with Abhay due to the lack of support for guide runners, who are often not provided with salaries or long-term career paths. The Paralympic Committee of India offers minimal assistance beyond short-term needs.

Both athletes are now backed by sponsorships, giving them some financial support, but their guides yearn for more recognition and opportunities. Each competitor is looking forward to the next Paralympic Games, fueled by dreams of gold medals and aspirations to inspire those in similar situations. As Rakshitha puts it, "She must win a medal," a sentiment echoed by Rahul, who envisions her as a role model for aspiring athletes in rural areas.

The Indian sports community continues to recognize the achievements of athletes like Rakshitha and Simran as the BBC Indian Sportswoman Of The Year (ISWOTY) Award gears up for its fifth edition, championing the accomplishments of women in sports.