Kanak Bhadoria, a 16-year-old from Madhya Pradesh's Sheopur district, achieved two back to back remarkable feats by clinching gold medals in both the 100m and 200m events at the World Ability Sports Youth Games in Thailand.
In the T-38 category competitions, she clocked 15.80 seconds in the 100-metre sprint and secured her second gold with a time of 32.94 seconds in the 200-metre race. Her journey to these championships stemmed from her outstanding performance at the National Athletics Games held in Gujarat in Nov, wherein she competed in accordance with her Cerebral Palsy classification.
Her achievement has drawn attention to the need for better sports infrastructure and support systems for para-athletes in smaller towns and districts across state and the nation.
Kanak's remarkable achievement at the World Ability Sports Youth Games showcases her exceptional athletic prowess. Her victory in both sprint categories highlights her versatility as an athlete. The T-38 classification, specifically designed for athletes with similar physical conditions, provided a platform for her to showcase her abilities.
"Her timing of 15.80 seconds in the 100-metre event demonstrates her explosive speed, while her 200-metre performance of 32.94 seconds reflects her endurance and racing strategy," said Inam Khan, Chairman Paralympic, MP.
The support from her family, coaches, and the sports community in Sheopur district played a crucial role in her development as an athlete. Regular training sessions, coupled with proper guidance and encouragement, helped her reach new heights and successes.
Her achievement serves as an inspiration for young athletes, particularly those with different abilities. It demonstrates that with proper support, determination, and hard work, one can overcome hurdles obstacles and achieve excellence in sports, said her coaches.
The medals not only bring glory to her hometown in MP but also highlight India's growing presence in para-sports.
Her success contributes to the narrative of inclusive sports development when athletes with different abilities are given platforms to showcase their talents.