We need more para meets: Simran
Simran Sharma
, the podium is more than just a place of celebration — it's a symbol of resilience, sacrifice and untapped potential.
Born prematurely with visual impairment, the athlete from Ghaziabad, battled systemic challenges, limited opportunities and social stigma to script a story of unwavering determination.
While she cherishes the pride of representing her country on the international stage, her voice carries a deeper appeal — for more domestic para-athletics meets.
It was just another day at office on Saturday as Simran clinched gold in the women's 200m run (T12) with a timing of 24.8s at the 7th Indian Open Para Athletics International Championship at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium. But the Paris paralympic bronze-medallist rued missing out on breaking the Asian record. Speaking to TOI, the 25-year-old, who began racing professionally in 2018, said, "I wanted to break the Asian record but missed out!"
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Encouraged by a select few to take up the sport professionally, Simran like several other para-athletes had to battle past the negativity to thrive as a sportsperson.
"At the start, I was unsure if I could do it. I was a girl and since I had problems with my eyes, people, including many in my family would tease me and call me names. I was scared for years. But in life, if 90% of people are negative, there's that 10% who always have your back and encourage you to go for it.
I concentrated on that 10%," recalled the Paralympian.
"Moreover, there are so many people working behind the scenes to help me succeed.
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Credit must be given to them. They are the real pillars of success, because no one can do it alone. My husband (& coach) feels more pressure. More than me, they are unanswerable for my failure," said the Asian para games medallist.
Eight years into the sport, Simran rued the lack of competition in the country. "Athletes outside are regularly taking part in meets and that is a place where we are lagging. We need more meets in India.
In athletics you at least have a few trials to qualify, but in para athletics, we get only one chance for the final trial. There's nothing like – we can try next time for us. It rained here yesterday (Friday), and it hampered the chance for many to qualify for the Worlds," said Simran, who will next take to the track during the World Championships.
Clear of her goals, Simran said, "My goal is to get a gold medal for my country, and I want to start at the Worlds in Delhi. "Of course, the ultimate goal is the Olympics. LA is in my heart, mind and dreams! I was happy with my bronze in Paris but not satisfied. In LA, I will run for only gold," signed off a determined Simran.
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