Paralympic medalist Parmar says people made fun of him for playing sport

Visually impaired but extremely positive, history-making Indian Paralympic medallist Kapil Parmar faced constant taunts from his fellow villagers when he started para-judo eight years ago, but it only strengthened his resolve to do something significant in life.

The 24-year-old Parmar became India's first Paralympic medallist in judo when he won a bronze in men's 60kg (J1) in Paris Games on September 4.

"When I decided to start para judo in 2017, some people of my village taunted me how I would play the sport as I can't see but you always move ahead because of these taunts only," Parmar told PTI in an interview.

"You have to take these (taunts) in a positive way, to convert their taunts into a challenge and prove them wrong. Now, after my achievements, they support me and say that I was right in choosing para-sport.

"If you have sympathisers and supporters, there will be haters also. Life is like that. In a way I feel haters had made me move ahead in life."

The J1 class in para ju