Kapil Parmar created history by securing India’s first bronze medal in para judo at the Paris Paralympics 2024. On Thursday, Parmar simply outclassed his opponent, Brazil’s Elielton de Oliveira, in the men’s 60kg (J1) category with an absolute thrashing of 10-0. Talk about a convincing victory!
From the small village to big leagues
Kapil, the Judo sensation from Shivor-a teeny village in Madhya Pradesh, that is only large enough to have a mishap with the water pump. Being the youngest of five siblings, his dad drives a taxi, while his sister runs a school; one would think Parmar’s story was the script for a real-life underdog movie. His middle brother is a judo enthusiast and joined him for training. Family squad goals!
Lightning Start to a Judo Career
Kapil Parmar’s path to the Paralympics was not easy. As a kid, he had received a shock when he came in contact with a water pump and slipped into a six-month-long coma. Powering up blindsided, he used this as an opening he could bank on in blind judo, initiated by his ever-inspiring mentors Bhagwan Das and Manoj Sir.
Medal Mania
How is that for being on a roll? Kapil Parmar’s trophy cabinet has started looking like a judo jackpot. From silver at the Asian Para Games 2022 to golds at the Commonwealth Championships and IBSA Judo Grand Prix in 2024, the medals have been coming as if he is collecting them for the end of their fashion. Add to this a bronze at the IBSA World Games in 2023 and it becomes clear: Kapil is on a winning streak that is raising a storm.
So here’s to Kapil Parmar-India’s para judo trailblazer, who showed the rest of us with grit and grace, even from a village as unlikely as anything, the birth of a champion was possible!
The Sportz Planet Desk,
Atharva Shetye
