Indian para-athlete Simran Sharma, born with visual impairment, clinched gold in 100 m (T12) and silver in the 200m (T12) at the World Para Athletics Championships 2025. Trained by her husband and coach Gajendra Singh, Simran shares her story that reflects courage, resilience, and India’s growing para-sport legacy
India’s Simran Sharma after winning gold in 100m (T12) event with her guide Umar Saifi. Pic/PTI
The stadium fell silent for a moment before erupting into thunderous applause as India’s own superstar achieved what seemed impossible just a few years ago.
Under the flashy floodlights amid the humid weather at the Jawaharlal Nehru (JLN) Stadium in New Delhi, Simran Sharma fixed her eyes on the finish line, which she could only partially see. Crossing it first in the 100 meters (T12 category) with unmatched determination, her hard work, discipline, and resilience helped her clinch the silver in the 200 meters (T12 category) on Sunday.
Bronze medalist at the Paris Paralympics 2024, Simran was already on a golden run before stepping onto the track for her next event. The Delhi-born athlete clocked 24.75 seconds, securing the bronze which was later turned to silver in a fiercely competitive race.
Speaking exclusively with Mid-Day, Simran discussed the challenges she faced as a para-athlete and how her husband and coach, Gajendra Singh, inspired her to pursue the sport professionally after their marriage.
Simran Sharma with her husband Gajendra Singh and her guide Umar Saifi. (Pic/Special arrangement)
Hours after winning the bronze in the 200 meters (T12), Simran, visibly moved, said, “It wasn’t just a race. It was the culmination of years of quiet struggle, discipline, and unshakable faith.”
With a bright smile, she added, “It hasn’t been easy. It has been years of hard work, dedication, and sheer practice that helped me upgrade the medal from last year’s World Para-Athletic Championship in Kobe, Japan.”
Born with a premature visual impairment, Simran Sharma’s journey has been one of courage, resilience, and unwavering determination. Life tested her limits from the very beginning; she spent six challenging months in an incubator, fighting to survive. Yet, even amidst these early struggles, her spirit shone brightly. A passionate sports enthusiast since childhood, Simran’s love for athletics became her guiding light.
Her father, Manoj Sharma, stood firmly by her side, encouraging her to embrace sports and chase her dreams despite the obstacles. Everything changed, however, when she met the love of her life, Gajendra Singh.
Speaking to Mid-Day, Simran opened up about the most impactful force in her life and career—her husband who is also her coach. “Breaking stereotypes, it was Gajendra who encouraged me and trained me to take up the sport professionally. He always knew my potential, sometimes even more than I did,” Simran said, with a very heavy voice letting her emotions flow out.
“Gajendra never let ego come in between and made sure that I win gold for India every time I step on the field. He is the ideal partner, and I consider myself extremely lucky to have him in my life,” Simran added.
Asked about how she pushes herself as a para-athlete in high-pressure competitions, the 25-year-old said, “Every competition teaches me something new. From my early days to now, it’s been about believing in myself and never giving up. My family and coach have been my biggest strength.”
Born with a visual impairment, Simran competes in the T12 category, where athletes rely more on instinct, rhythm, and courage than on sight. Yet, her focus has always been crystal clear: to bring glory to her country.
As she prepared for the 2025 Paralympics, her dedication grew stronger each day. “After every championship, I sit down with my coach and analyse what went right and what needs work. My training schedule changes, my diet gets stricter—but that’s the process I love. Improvement never stops, and probably these are few things which has helped me do well this year” she said.
But her story isn’t just about medals and championships; it’s also about the barriers that still exist for para-athletes in India.
“Being a para-athlete is not easy. We still face challenges, from accessibility to infrastructure. I just hope that in the future, no athlete feels limited by what’s around them. We deserve the same support and facilities as any other sportsperson,” Sharma added.
Simran’s double-medal win in the marquee track events is more than just a victory. Her win is a statement of resilience, dedication, and how a supportive partner can do wonders. Simran’s journey enlightens us that true strength lies not in perfection but in persistence; and with sheer perseverance and a slight push from your loved one from behind is enough to bring glory.
As Simran stood on the podium for the second time in the World Para-Athletic Championships, her eyes shimmered with pride and purpose, making the entire nation proud.
India’s performance at the World Para Athletics Championships in 2025 witnessed a remarkable leap. While marking a historic milestone for the nation’s para-athletes, India bagged 22 medals this year with 6 gold, 9 silver, and 7 bronze; improving significantly from last year’s performance in Japan’s Kobe, where Indian athletes clinched a total of 17 medals; including 6 gold, 5 silver, and 6 bronze; securing an impressive 6th place overall.
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