In the Chikkamagaluru region of Karnataka, little Rakshitha Raju found her passion for running on the grounds of Ashakirana School for the Blind.
Blind by birth and orphaned early in life, brought up by her grandmother, Rakshitha Raju fought various disabilities. After all, who needs sight when you have a vision? Rakshitha’s legs had become the guiding compass to a future she had never imagined.
Running Away. Into Opportunity
A dream of only traveling grew bigger. Rakshitha Raju’s physical education teacher told her that running could take her farther-literally. From city to city, state to state, her legs were her ticket to adventure.
Coach Rahul: The Game Changer
Then came the game-changer in the form of coach, Rahul Balakrishna. An eye for talent and a heart full of belief, Rahul didn’t just train Rakshitha Raju-invest he did. He even took out a Rs 2 lakh loan to fuel her dreams. Talk about commitment! Together they stormed international competitions, grabbing gold at the World Para Athletics Junior Championships and the Asian Para Games.
Hers is much more than a story of medals; it is about outrunning limitations, silencing doubters and chasing dreams with every step.
The Sportz Planet Desk,
Atharva Shetye
