Borivli-based blind national level judo champ, the son of a tempo loader, is all set to compete in the 2025 IBSA Judo Grand Prix in Giza (Egypt) from August 14 to 20
Support on his judo journey from Dr Rajesh Mayekar who has stood like a rock with him throughout (right) Lifting strong with Darshan Kamble at the housing society gym in Borivli. PICS/NIMESH DAVE
Darshan Arun Kamble, a 100 per cent blind para judo athlete or judoka as judo players are called, is all set to represent India at the IBSA Judo Grand Prix to be held in Giza, Egypt, from August 14 to 20. Kamble, who is a Borivli East local, just finished a training camp at Lucknow and will now fly to the land called ‘The Gift of the Nile’ for the tournament.
Sweat ‘n’ struggle
Kamble, 29, said, “While I am excited and hope to prove my mettle internationally, so much of my energy has been spent on raising funds to compete. I paid the initial deposit amount of Rs 50,000. I still had to raise at least Rs 2,00,000, which included flights, visa, accommodation and other travel-related expenses. I raised this through well-wishers and a number of Non-Government Organisations (NGO).
Darshan Kamble does a leg workout
Kamble, who lives in Kajupada, explained about his challenging financial circumstances, “My mother is a housewife, my father works as a tempo loader, my younger brother works in the back office of a private company, my sister is married.” Kamble appears for examinations for a job in Banking or the Railways.
Kamble, who was born with 25 per cent vision, had 10 per cent vision in one eye till 2020 but lost his vision completely during the COVID-19 wave in 2021. “I lost my vision but not my spirit,” said the Ruia College, Matunga Bachelor of Arts (BA) graduate.
He had done his schooling at the Happy Home School for the Blind in Worli. He said, “I was always sports oriented, playing cricket and a game called goalball. Yet, I truly fell in love with judo in school. I won my first judo medal at the Mumbai level in 2016. I won a silver medal for Maharashtra at the National Blind Judo Championship in 2017.” Post that, Kamble won several silvers and a gold in 2025 at the National Para Judo Championships.
Darshan Kamble works out
Travel ‘n’ training
He travelled thrice a week from Borivli to Dadar/Matunga and trained for several hours at the Podar Judo Club in Podar College, Matunga, under the legendary coach and official, Ravindra Patil. “When Darshan Kamble entered judo class, I was first struck by his commitment. He has laser-sharp focus and is formidable in randori or free practice (sparring). He is also blessed with immense physical strength. Now, it is about applying what he does in class in competition. He has already proved himself at the national level. His mental strength must match his physical as he competes internationally. I am quite certain he will do well in Giza, Egypt,” said the coach.
Strong support
Darshan Kamble’s struggle has not been confined to the mat, though. He has had angels on his journey, in the form of well-wishers and supporters. Live to Give founder Marzy Farokh Parakh of Mumbai said, “Kamble’s case was referred to us by Tanya Balsara, who runs a renowned computer centre for visually impaired individuals. We are a WhatsApp-based community of hundreds of citizens who unite to verify and support genuinely needy individuals all through WhatsApp.
The youth with Neelkanth Mayekar at the former’s home. PICS/NIMESH DAVE
The case was assigned to volunteer Dimple Aggarwal, who successfully raised Rs 2.26 lakh towards his support through donors and their internal crowdfunding portal.” Then there is Neelkanth Mayekar of Green Park Society at Raheja Estate Kulupwadi, Borivli, who supported Kamble by allowing the gym facility at the housing society to be available for his training. Said Mayekar, “There are so many like Dr Rajesh Mayekar and doctor colleagues who have conducted health checks for Kamble. Dr Mayekar has personally monitored Kamble’s overall conditioning, fitness and diet. There has been financial help from several members of the Green Park housing society.”
What Kamble and those rooting for him ask for is “structured help by the state or Central government.” Mayekar put the faith in Kamble as he said, “I truly believe that with or without one’s help, he will still succeed in his dreams as destined, but with help given, it becomes a slightly easier journey for him and other such players.”
Looking at this holistically, Mayekar said, “When others see that help is being given, upcoming potential para champions will also gain confidence in our system to choose sports as a career path, helping them to be self-reliant.” Supporters together claim that with self-reliance comes a life lived with dignity. “We are hoping the government walks the talk on diversity and propels them forward, and with that, India to glory. After all, these are the living, breathing symbols reminding us there is an able in disabled.”
To help Darshan Kamble on his judo journey, call: 9619709697
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