Latest news with #SimranSharma
Time of India
13-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
We need more para meets: Simran
Bengaluru: For para-athlete 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!" You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru 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. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Descoperă BMW X5 Legacy Limited Edition. Cu o rată fixă de 789€ + TVA/ lună şi costurile de întreţinere incluse. Vezi oferta Undo 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.
India Gazette
26-05-2025
- Health
- India Gazette
From Starting Blocks to Finish Line: Simran's story of grit, sacrifice and Paralympic medal
New Delhi [India], May 26 (ANI): In a recent appearance at the House of Glory podcast, an initiative by the Gagan Narang Sports Foundation, Paralympian Simran Sharma shared her challenging journey and the battles she fought. She highlighted that her path to the track was not typical, it was filled with challenges on every step, which started right from the time she was born. Simran recalled while speaking at the House of Glory podcast, 'Doctors said I wouldn't make it, and back then, no one was too bothered - it was early, and I was a girl. But my father decided to keep me alive. I survived without machines, but with many problems. I grew up with weak eyes, muscles, and body. I never even dreamt of the Olympics - just hoped for a small job to support my family.' 2024 Paris Paralympics bronze medallist also praised her husband for the support in her journey. 'He never let me do household work. He said just eat well and train. He made sure I didn't wear a veil, didn't follow the restrictions women in our village were used to. He had one goal - the Olympics,' Sharma said. Recalling the training days, her husband Gajendra said he used to spend hours in kitchen working on the diet of paralympian. 'There were days I trained her so hard, she'd be vomiting on the ground,' Armyman Gajendra remembered. 'My mother saw her once and asked me, 'Are you trying to kill her?' But I knew what she needed to reach that level. I used to spend hours in the kitchen working on her diet and on the field training her methodically.' But behind the physical struggle was a mental one, Simran Sharma pointed out. She stated that at the 2019 World Championships her father was on a ventilator and her husband was drowning in debt from her training. 'My dad's medicine cost Rs. 150, and we couldn't afford it. Everyone blamed my husband for supporting me. I broke down. I thought, maybe if I'm not there, the problems will go too. I tried to commit suicide,' Simran revealed. But again with her husband's help and support, she was able to bounce back as she shared, 'He said, 'We'll fall, but we'll rise again. We'll never give up. I'm with you till the end.' Simran clinched a bronze medal in the women's 200m T12 final at the Paris 2024 Paralympics by clocking a personal best timing of 24.75s, alongside her guide Abhay Singh. The T12 class is for runners with a visual impairment, hence athletes run with a guide on the track. (ANI)
Hans India
26-05-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Never dreamt of Olympics, just hoped for a job to support family, says Paralympian Simran
Paralympian Simran Sharma shared her challenging journey and the battles she fought from being a premature baby not expected to survive to representing India on the world stage, her journey is one of grit, heartbreak and unshakeable resolve. Her path to the track was not typical, it was filled with challenges on every step, which started right from the time she was born. "Doctors said I wouldn't make it, and back then, no one was too bothered - it was early, and I was a girl. But my father decided to keep me alive. I survived without machines but with many problems. I grew up with weak eyes, muscles, and body. I never even dreamt of the Olympics - just hoped for a small job to support my family," Simran recalled at the House of Glory podcast, an initiative by the Gagan Narang Sports Foundation. But everything changed after marriage. Gajendra Singh, her husband and coach, saw a spark in her. 'He never let me do household work. He said just eat well and train. He made sure I didn't wear a veil, didn't follow the restrictions women in our village were used to. He had one goal - the Olympics,' shared the 2024 Paris Paralympics bronze medallist. 'There were days I trained her so hard, she'd be vomiting on the ground,' Armyman Gajendra remembered. 'My mother saw her once and asked me, 'Are you trying to kill her?' But I knew what she needed to reach that level. I used to spend hours in the kitchen working on her diet and on the field training her methodically.' But behind the physical struggle was a mental one. At the 2019 World Championships, Simran competed while her father was on a ventilator and her husband was drowning in debt from her training. 'My dad's medicine cost Rs 150 and we couldn't afford it. Everyone blamed my husband for supporting me. I broke down. I thought, maybe if I'm not there, the problems will go too. I tried to commit suicide,' Simran revealed. But again with her husband's help and support, she was able to bounce back as she shared, 'He said, 'We'll fall, but we'll rise again. We'll never give up. I'm with you till the end'." Now, Simran has returned stronger - mentally, physically and emotionally. She's built homes for her mother and mother-in-law, also winning her first-ever Paralympics bronze medal. Simran's story is not just one of athletic ambition - it's about breaking odds, healing and redefining what support looks like.
Time of India
25-04-2025
- General
- Time of India
96% playschools unregistered in Gurgaon, Haryana govt plans crackdown
Gurgaon: The women and child development (WCD) department has raised serious concerns over private playschools operating in violation of mandatory norms. Of 800 private play schools in the city, only 30 institutions have submitted their registration files so far. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now According to official records, 96% play schools operate without registration in the city. Preparations are underway to take action against private play schools. From May, the WCD department will conduct physical inspections across the city. Schools found lacking in basic infrastructure or safety standards may face closure recommendations. While the guidelines — mandating affiliation for all play schools — were issued two years ago, compliance has remained alarmingly low. Last academic session, only 10 schools had official recognition and the situation has not improved this year. "Despite a two-year window given to play schools for registration, only a small number have initiated the process. Beginning May, inspection drives will be launched and schools found with serious irregularities will be reported to the directorate," WCD department district programme officer Dr Simran Sharma said. The district administration has compiled a list of existing play schools and initiated efforts to bring them under the registration framework. School operators are being contacted through phone calls and messages, urging them to register their institutions. The city has witnessed a surge in the number of play schools, with state-level data revealing it now hosts the highest number in the region. Catering to children aged three to six years, these schools operate for two to six hours daily and charge a monthly fee ranging from Rs 1,500 to Rs 3,000. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now However, a significant number of these institutions are being run without any administrative approval. Many operate from cramped rooms and poorly maintained buildings, raising serious concerns about the safety and well-being of young children. Basic infrastructure and facilities are lacking in several of these unregulated schools. Dr Simran said in order to register a playschool in Haryana one needs to visit the SARAL portal or the WCD department's website and navigate to the "Recognition for private play school" service. Applicants need to download the application form, fill it with the required details and attach relevant photographs and documents. "Then upload the completed application form and attachments to the SARAL Portal," the official said. "The application will be scrutinised by the competent authority. If the application meets the requirements, a recognition certificate will be issued, specifying the number of seats and a validity period of one year. Play schools must renew their recognition certificate annually," Dr Simran said. Meanwhile, parents are being advised to verify a school's registration status before enrolling their children. Authorities emphasise that ensuring a school is officially recognised is critical for the safety and development of the children.
