From fighting the society to making it proud: The gritty journey of Arjuna Awardee Paralympian Simran Sharma

An athlete in India, especially one who happens to be a woman, faces significant challenges in climbing the ranks. One such tenacious story of fighting against circumstances and constant chatter to claim glory is that of Simran Sharma. At the 2024 Paris Paralympics, where the Indian contingent made history by winning 29 medals, Simran Sharma contributed with a bronze in the T12 category of the 200m race. The T12 category allows athletes with visual impairments to compete in athletics events of the tournament. Recently conferred with the prestigious Arjuna Award, the champion engaged in an exclusive conversation with OneTurf News.

Simran Sharma in conversation with OneTurf News

OneTurf had the chance to host the exceptionally skilled Paralympian, Simran Sharma, in an exclusive interview. Born prematurely with an impairment, Simran has faced constant struggles in her life, only to emerge victorious against them all. As Simran narrated the ordeals she grew up with, the athlete was quick to note that her family's support propelled her growth in the sport. Rising from the grassroots level, Simran worked tirelessly not just to overcome financial turbulence but also to withstand the taunts she faced as a girl in a patriarchal society. From training in her kit to traveling to Delhi for preparation and returning home late from practice, the people around her had many complaints and left none unspoken. However, her parents, the late Mr. Manoj Sharma and her mother, shielded her from the negativity and supported her passion in every possible way.

After her marriage, the same patriarchy challenged her again as her in-laws raised concerns about her training routine. This time, it was her husband, who also happens to be Simran's coach, who stood by her side. In an environment where giving up on her passion might have seemed like the easier choice, Simran's husband kept her motivated and ensured she continued her practice to achieve excellence. Simran's resilience and the unwavering support she received from her loved ones culminated in unmatched glory at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, where she won a bronze medal in the T12 category.

Moving further into the conversation, Simran touched upon a unique but crucial aspect. While she is a strong advocate for women’s empowerment, the para-athlete highlighted that men don’t always receive the credit they deserve. She explained that behind a woman’s success, there is often a man who supports her throughout. In her case, she credited her father and husband as key contributors to her journey to the top of her career.

Simran has faced significant challenges in her career as a Paralympic-winning athlete. However, she has little to no complaints about the Indian government. When asked where the government could improve, she explained that officials should focus on supporting budding athletes right from the grassroots level. Financial troubles remain the biggest hurdle for rising sportspersons in India, and the government should focus on providing the necessary aid. Simran also compared India’s aspiration to match the medal tally of countries like China, emphasizing that facilities similar to theirs must be provided.

That’s not all about Simran Sharma and her journey as a champion para-athlete. Listen to the full interaction here to uncover more intricacies about the Arjuna Awardee.