Chandu Champions ft. Paralympians: Paris 2024 Edition

Who doesn’t love an underdog story? If you’ve seen Kartik Aryan’s Chandu Champion, you know what I mean. If not, here’s the gist: it’s about Murlikant Petkar, who dreamed of representing India at the Olympics and winning a gold medal ever since he was a child. He began training in boxing, but fate had other plans. After sustaining a spinal injury during the war that left him paralyzed from the waist down, he refused to let his dream die. He pivoted to swimming, trained like a man possessed, and brought home the gold at the Paralympics. It’s a story of unwavering determination and resilience. This instantly reminded me of someone whose journey I’ve witnessed firsthand—Pranav Soorma, who, my dear readers, has now won—*drumroll, please*—the silver medal at the Paralympics Paris 2024 as I write this. 

Now that the games have concluded, I can finally shout it from the rooftops: Pranav participated in the Paralympics this year, smashed it, and brought home the silver in the Club Throw. No more worrying about jinxing anything! Initially, I thought of calling this blog Chandu Champion 2.0 because Pranav’s story mirrors a Bollywood script. But as I dove deeper into the world of para-athletes, I realized that everyone has a unique yet similar story. Take Dharambir, for instance—a misjudged dive into a canal left him paralyzed, but he trained relentlessly in the club throw and became a gold medalist at 35, giving India a double podium finish. Or Soorma, who at 16 had a cement sheet fall on him, causing a spinal cord injury. Doctors said he’d never walk again. Well, he sprinted to the top of para-sports.

I met Pranav on our first day at the Delhi School of Economics, and it was clear he was both good-looking and smart. We quickly became close friends—countless beers, long drives, and late-night chats. He embodied the quintessential Delhi boy spirit. When I saw him dancing like crazy at a birthday party, I knew we’d be friends for life. In 2018, during our final year, Pranav was introduced to para-sports, and there was no turning back. State-level competitions? Check. National championships? Check. World Championships? Check.

Here’s something that needs to be said: There’s a lot of talk in disabled communities about “inspiration porn”—when able-bodied people use para-athletes' stories to either make themselves feel better or guilt-trip others with, "If they can do it, what’s your excuse?" But here’s my take, as someone living with a disability: it’s okay to be inspired. It’s okay to look at these stories and think, "Wow, if they can push through, maybe I can hit the gym today." There’s nothing wrong with that. Let’s put it into perspective: Imagine you’re a physically fit person who suddenly sustains a leg injury. You’re limping, in pain, and what do people tell you? "Rest and recover." No one expects you to start training for a marathon. Now imagine that injury drags on for six months. You’d likely adapt, accept the pain, and go about life cautiously. Running wouldn’t even be a thought. But every para-athlete out there faces even greater challenges and somehow pushes through. Speak with them, read their stories, listen to their podcasts—their level of motivation is off the charts. So, borrowing a bit of that motivation isn’t a bad idea.

Imagine someone who can't shower alone, comb their own hair or control their bladder—yet they're up at 2 a.m. and at the stadium by 4 a.m. Why? Because their spinal injuries prevent them from sweating, causing their bodies to overheat quickly in the sun. Training even at 8/9 am isn't an option. They adapt and persevere. And there's more. Some athletes have no grip in their hands. To hold the club—a crucial aspect of the club throw—they rely on special gum or glue applied by their team. In winter, the gum can become too thick, making it hard to release the club. In summer, it turns watery, causing the club to slip. So yes, their performance can literally hinge on the weather. The mere fact that these athletes accept even their bodies not being under their control is inspiring enough.

When I travel domestically, I worry about basic things—will there be accessible washrooms during road trips? Will I find hygienic food? Now, imagine these athletes traveling internationally, staying in athlete villages that, frankly, don't always have the best reputation for accommodations. Yet, they do it without hesitation. Many para-athletes grapple with challenges that go beyond the physical demands of their sport. Their compromised immune systems make them susceptible to infections. I’ve read about athletes competing despite severe conditions—even battling eye infections during events. Their determination is nothing short of heroic; their stories deserve to be told. 

It often made me question: why would someone who appears "unfit" choose such a physically demanding path? My physiotherapist offered an insight that struck me deeply: It's about dopamine—the pure joy derived from movement and progress. As someone living with a disability, I can attest to this. 

Pranav’s win is monumental, but he’s part of a larger picture. Not everyone in the contingent brought home medals, but that doesn’t make their achievements any less extraordinary. In fact, it’s the struggle itself that deserves recognition. Winning or not, these athletes are champions. And that’s why we need to talk about them more. 

We need to celebrate para-sports just like we do able-bodied sports. Regular reporting, corporate backing, and awareness can make all the difference. Let’s not wait for another movie to tell us what’s happening in the world of para-athletes. Let’s celebrate them now—whether they bring home gold, silver, bronze, or just the sheer grit it takes to show up on that stage. They’re already champions, and it’s about time we give them the spotlight they’ve earned.