Rakshitha Raju Poised to Shine at Paris Paralympics 2024

New Delhi: Rakshitha Raju, hailing from Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka, is set to make her mark at the Paris Paralympics 2024. Competing in the Women’s 1500m T11 race, she will become the first Indian female athlete with a visual impairment to participate in this event, achieving a historic milestone for Indian sports.

Raised by her grandmother after the loss of her parents, Raju (23) was initially unfamiliar with Paris, knowing only about America. Her journey from these early days to the global stage reflects her remarkable perseverance and dedication. “My ultimate goal is to win an Olympic gold. I am determined to secure the first gold medal of this season,” Raju shared.

Raju’s passion for athletics was ignited by her physical education teacher’s advice to learn to run, which led her to local competitions. Her consistent victories soon brought her national acclaim. Her impressive achievements include gold medals in the 1500m and 800m events at the World Para Athletics Junior Championships in Switzerland, as well as another gold in the 1500m T11 category at the Asian Para Games in Hangzhou.

Sharda Ugra, an independent sports journalist who met Raju at a panel discussion in Bengaluru, described her as “an exceptionally talented, determined, and courageous young woman.” Ugra praised Raju’s journey as a powerful example of how sport can profoundly impact lives.

The Paris Paralympics, scheduled from August 28 to September 8, will feature India’s largest-ever contingent. Raju’s participation is not only a personal triumph but also a source of inspiration for athletes across the nation.