This Paralympics, Visually Impaired Rakshitha Raju Will Run To Script History

Life will throw several obstacles in your way. But the only way to deal with them is resilience and determination to reach your goals. Meet Rakshitha Raju, an epitome of this resilience and determination. Visually impaired Raju is going to make history by being the first Indian woman athlete to race in the Women’s 1500m T-11 Category at the Paris Paralympics to be commencing from August 28. 

Raju belongs to Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka. She has faced a lot of struggles to reach where she is today. Raju was orphaned at a very young age. She was raised by her grandmother who also had speech and hearing impairment. 

Raju's formation years

Raju's interest in athletics sparked when she was in Ashakirana School for the Blind. She participated in sports while being trained by her physical education teacher. While racing for one such competition, she came across coach Rahul Balakrishna under whose tutelage, Raju conquered many obstacles to reach the Paris Paralympics. 

To encourage her further, CBM India, a non-profit organisation working for and benefiting sportspersons with impairment, has extended support to Raju. Glowing with confidence and dreams in her eyes, Raju told the media, “I am incredibly honoured and excited to represent India at the Paris Paralympics. This journey has been filled with challenges, but each step has brought me closer to my dream." 

CBM India supports Raju

Soni Thomas, Executive Director at CBM India said, “Rakshitha Raju’s journey to the Paralympics 2024 is a true example of the transformative power of sports. At CBM India, we are deeply honoured to have supported Rakshitha in her athletic career."

Thomas further added, "Her story captures her spirit of resilience and determination. Rakshitha’s success reflects our broader commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in every aspect of life. We are immensely proud of her achievements and look forward to cheering her on as she represents India on the world stage.”

A list of accolades Raju has won 

Raju has reached this position after earning many accolades at the national and international levels. The most notable of all is her gold medal at the Women’s 1500m-T11 event at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Para Games. Her exclusive performance gained the attention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi who honoured her for her excellence. 

Apart from this, she won the gold medal in the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Para Games. She secured fifth position in the 1500m T11 event at Para Athletics World Championship Paris 2023. At the 5th Indian Open Para Athletics Championship, 2023, Raju won a silver medal in the 1500m category. She was adorned with a gold medal for the 400m and 1500m race in the National Para Athletics Championship, 2023. The list goes on.