An able archer: Pooja Rani, 26
Daughter of a scrap dealer barely able to make ends meet, this 26-year-old is the country’s first para-archer to compete in the Olympics. Pooja suffered from polio as a child, leaving her with an impairment in her legs. She started out as a para discus athlete, but then switched to archery in 2010. Six years on, she took part in the 2016 Rio Paralympics.
Secret sauce: Winning spirit. Pooja does not give up easily and believes she can achieve the impossible if she tries hard enough.
Inspiration: “Aunty (Tai ji) and my coach Sanjay Suhag.”
Challenges facing India: “In India, there is lot of disparity between able-bodied persons and differently abled persons. People think we are dependent on others, but in reality we are contributing equally to the country’s pride. So, I want that people’s approach towards disabled persons should change.”
Uplifting feature: The free-flowing spirit.
The road ahead: “I am eyeing a podium finish in the World Championship going to be held in September.”
As an agent of change: “After becoming the country’s first para-archer to compete in the Olympics (2016 Rio Games), I have shown a path to other girls. If I can achieve this, anybody can.”
By the way: Pooja loves travelling and hanging out with friends.
{{/usCountry}}By the way: Pooja loves travelling and hanging out with friends.
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