Who Is Rakshitha Raju, India’s 1st Female Athlete In 1500m Race At Paris Paralympics 2024

New Delhi: The entry of Rakshitha Raju into the Women’s 1500m T-11 Category at Paralympics 2024 is indeed a momentous feat. Being the first Indian to compete in this category, her journey mirrors determination and perseverance to overcome the challenges posed by visual impairment. It also points to greater inclusion within sports-a beacon to many disabled aspirants in India and elsewhere.

Rakshitha Raju’s journey is a testament to her resilience. Her ability to rise above the challenges of her early life, particularly being orphaned and raised by a grandmother with her own set of impairments, is inspiring. The nurturing environment at Ashakirana School for the Blind, coupled with the guidance of her mentor and guide runner, Rahul Balakrishna, played a pivotal role in shaping her athletic career. Their partnership has undoubtedly been crucial in helping her reach the global stage at the Paralympics.

Rakshitha Raju’s success is bolstered by the support she has received from CBM India’s Inclusive Sports program. This initiative, funded through corporate social responsibility efforts, has been instrumental in enabling her and other athletes with disabilities to achieve their full potential. Such support plays a crucial role in empowering athletes like Rakshitha to excel on the global stage and continue breaking barriers in sports.

“I am incredibly honoured and excited to represent India at the Paris Paralympics. This journey has been filled with challenges, but each step has brought me closer to my dream,” said Rakshitha.

“Rakshitha Raju’s journey to the Paralympics 2024 is a true example of the transformative power of sports. At CBM India, we are deeply honoured to have supported Rakshitha in her athletic career. Her story captures her spirit of resilience and determination. Rakshitha’s success reflects our broader commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in every aspect of life. We are immensely proud of her achievements and look forward to cheering her on as she represents India on the world stage,” said Sony Thomas, Executive Director at CBM India.

Accolades keep coming for the athletic career of Rakshitha Raju, most recently her highlight at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Para Games with a gold medal in the Women’s 1500m-T11 event. The triumph makes her not only one of the best para-athletes but also gained her a special recognition from the Prime Minister himself Narendra Modi, who honored her for such a grand achievement. This only serves to highlight and epitomize her growing influence and success on both the national and international fronts.

Rakshitha Raju’s impressive list of achievements demonstrates her exceptional talent and dedication in athletics. From winning gold at the Asian Para Games in 2018 and 2022 to securing top positions in national and international competitions, her consistency and hard work have cemented her as a leading figure in Indian para-athletics. Her journey is a reflection of her commitment to overcoming challenges and excelling on the global stage.