Top 10 Women Para Athletes from Para-Para-Paradise

Women are always the powerhouses of society. Whether running her home or the country, she always shows her excellence. A female paralympic athlete requires a lot of inspiration and courage to stand up for herself in adverse conditions, especially for a woman. Here are some women para athletes who are shining as inspirational women and have motivational journeys.

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Avani Lekhara – Para Athlete in Shooting

Avni Lekhara’s journey of determination in patients after the accident at the age of 11, where she left with paraplegia. With courage, she topped the Paralympics in shooting. Initially, she started with archery but soon made history in 2020 by becoming the first Indian woman to win the gold medal in the 10m rifle standing event and the bronze medal in the 50m rifle 3 position event in the Paralympics.

Instagram: avani.lekhara

Palak Kohli – Para Athlete in Badminton

Palak Kohli was born with an underdeveloped left arm, and she never thought of participating in sports. But her determination, family support, and love for badminton made her the youngest to join the Indian badminton team as a para-badminton player of just 18 years in the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics. Even social pressure and a bone tumour in her left foot failed to stop her from achieving her dreams.

Instagram: palak_kohli73

Manasi Joshi – Para Athlete in Badminton

Software engineer Manasi Joshi’s life changed with an unexpected motorbike accident in 2011 that caused the amputation of her right leg. The anguish, regret, and guilt were overcome by her determination and dedication to her childhood friend badminton. The unique style with a prosthetic leg and hard training paid off in clinching numerous paragame titles nationally and internationally. She was the first Indian para badminton player in 2021 to win a world championship gold medal.

Instagram: joshi.mansi

Karamjyoti Dalal – Para Athlete in Discus Throw

KaramJyoti Dalal, a distinguished Indian para-athlete, clinched a bronze medal at the 2017 World Para Athletics Championships in the women’s F55 discus throw category. Her remarkable throw of 19.02m, achieved in the final moments, narrowly surpassed Bahrain’s Alomari Roba. This victory marked Dalal’s best performance of the season and secured India’s third medal at the championships. Transitioning from kabaddi to discus throw after a life-altering injury, Dalal has rapidly ascended to the top ranks of para-athletics, showcasing resilience and unparalleled dedication to her sport.

Nidhi Mishra – Para Athlete in Shot Put, Discus Throw and 100 Metres

Nidhi Mishra, a remarkable para-athlete from Delhi, showcased her exceptional talent at the National Para Athletics Championship by securing three gold medals in the T-11/F-11 category across three disciplines: 100 metres, discus, and shot put. Her outstanding performance not only highlights her versatility and prowess in athletics but also sets a shining example of determination and excellence in the field of para-sports. Mishra’s achievements at the championship underline her status as a leading figure in Indian para-athletics, inspiring many with her dedication and success.

Instagram: DrNidhi Mishra 

Sakshi Kasana – Para Athlete in Javelin Throw

Born with a congenital deformity in the left leg, Sakshi Kasana never let this affect her growth in athletics. After facing discrimination from society, she found herself comfortable in the javelin throw. The 21-year-old Meerut-born javelin thrower was one of the promising players in Asia and one of the most promising players in the Asian Para Games 2023, having throwing at a distance of 24.77 m. Even in her international debut, she impressed everybody with her performance.

Instagram: sakshixkasana

Ekta Bhyan – Para Athlete in Discus and Club Throw

37-year-old Ekta Bhyan is winning a feather in her cap in field events. After a spinal injury in a car accident in 2003, she has to be in a wheelchair. After completing her political science degree and working for the government, she joined para-athletics in 2014. She debuted in the 2018 Asian Para Games in discus throw with a bronze medal and later finished in 6th position for discus throw and club throw for 7th position in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.

Instagram: ektabhyan

Ananya Bansal – Para Athlete in Shot Put

Ananya Bansal is an athletic and intellectually impaired person. She grabbed silver in the Asian Youth Paragane 2021 in the F20 category for shot put. Her dedication to the game is compelling, especially at this young age.

Bhavina Patel – Para Athlete in Table Tennis

Bhavina Patel was diagnosed with polio at the age of 1 and has been bound to a wheelchair all her life. In this tricky left-hand spinner angle in the 2022 Commonwealth game to achieve gold in the Tokyo Paralympics, she grabbed silver for the country in her category for table tennis class 4. She also received the Arjuna Award for her achievement in sports, which is commendable and inspiring.

Instagram: Bhavinapatelofficial

Rubina Francis – Para Athlete in Shooting

Rubina Francis is a girl born into a middle-class family with a leg disability. She is a brilliant pistol shooter who secured her place in the Tokyo Paralympics 2020 after her impressive performance in the 2018 Asian Para Games. She also ranked number 5 in the world shooting parasport ranking.

Instagram: rubina_ply

Concluding on these Para Athletes

We must welcome and value female para athletes now that the times have changed and these remarkable para athletes demonstrate their potential through enthusiasm, determination, and hard work—especially because “Ye Bhi Theek Hai.” They have left an amazing legacy for a strong and independent civilisation that will continue to inspire future generations.