Rakshitha Raju, a trailblazing blind Indian athlete, shares her remarkable journey from being labeled a "waste" in her village to becoming a celebrated middle-distance runner. The 24-year-old, who lost both parents by age 10 and was raised by her hearing and speech-impaired grandmother, found her passion for athletics at 13 thanks to her sports teacher's encouragement. "I wondered: 'How? I am blind,'" she recalled, only to learn about guide runners who assist visually impaired athletes.
Beginning her training with various guides, her life changed when Rahul Balakrishna discovered her potential at a National Games event in 2016. Having transitioned from a middle-distance athlete to a guide, Rahul took the initiative to support Rakshitha’s journey, even funding her move to Bangalore for better training facilities. Their bond has grown strong, with Rakshitha stating, "I believe in my guide runner more than myself."
The duo has celebrated remarkable achievements, including gold medals at the 2018 and 2023 Asian Games, and they have made history with Rakshitha’s participation in the 2024 Paralympics in Paris. Though they did not medal, they gained national recognition, especially when the villagers, who once mocked her, celebrated her accomplishments.
Simran Sharma, another talented Indian para-athlete, also shares a similar story. She became the first visually impaired woman from India to earn a Paralympic bronze in the 200m at Paris, alongside her young guide, Abhay Kumar. The two faced challenges synchronizing their movements, especially in the early races, but overcame this to become champions.
Despite both pairs' successes, the guide runners have raised concerns over limited formal support and opportunities. While athletes like Rakshitha and Simran receive sponsorships, guide runners continue to seek better recognition and career opportunities. As both women look towards future competitions, they hope to inspire others like them to break through societal barriers and pursue sports.
With the return of the BBC Indian Sportswoman Of The Year Awards recognizing exceptional women athletes, the focus remains on their incredible achievements and the importance of their guides in the world of para athletics.
