KIPG 2025 Spotlight: From Wheelchair Cricket and Arm Wrestling to Badminton — Why MBA Gyan Prakash Sharma Found His New Passion

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Gyan Prakash Sharma is a name that resonates with resilience and determination. The talented sportsperson from Patna, Bihar, has never shied away from challenges. Starting his sporting journey with wheelchair cricket, Gyan represented Uttar Pradesh with pride.

Inspired by a friend, he ventured into arm wrestling and achieved remarkable success, clinching a bronze medal in the National Open Championship. However, it is badminton that has truly captured his heart.

Now, participating in the Khelo India Para Games 2025 for the first time, Gyan is set on making his mark in the sport he loves.

A Passion for Badminton

Playing in the Wheelchair (SL4) category, Gyan's journey in badminton began unexpectedly. Reflecting on how he was introduced to the sport, Gyan shared,

"The Para National Championship of Badminton was held in Lucknow in 2023. At the time, I was working for a company that was managing hospitality at the venue of the tournament. I used to meet players, match officials and referees. Seeing all this, I was very impressed with this game and started playing it."

This newfound passion drove Gyan to excel. He was crowned the Bihar state champion in his category in 2024, leading to his participation in the Senior National Para Championship in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand.

"It was my first tournament. I reached the pre-quarterfinals among 64 players in my category. Based on this, I was selected for the second edition of Khelo India Para Games. It is because of this that I am here today to see how much care is taken for the disabled players."

A Multi-Talented Athlete

Aside from badminton, Gyan has also made his mark in arm wrestling. His foray into the sport was purely coincidental but proved to be a testament to his natural strength and determination.

"My career as an arm wrestler was just a coincidence. One of my friends from Madhya Pradesh is Rinku. He once jokingly asked me to try arm wrestling. I tried it and he could not beat me. After this, he advised me to take part in the sport. He told me that the Open Championship is being held in Indore. I went there unprepared and won the bronze medal!"

Furthermore, Gyan remains an active member of the Uttar Pradesh wheelchair cricket team, showcasing his versatility as an athlete.

Academic Achievements and Career Aspirations

In addition to his sporting pursuits, Gyan holds an MBA degree in Human Resources, which he earned from Dr Shakuntala Mishra National Rehabilitation University in Lucknow. He also hones his badminton skills on the university campus. Despite his athletic achievements, Gyan remains committed to securing a stable career.

"For the sake of my family, sometimes I do not practice regularly. I am trying for an assistant professor's job, but badminton is always on my mind. I want to make a name for myself in this and Khelo India Para Games is my milestone in this journey."

Praising the Khelo India Para Games

Grateful for the platform provided by the Khelo India Para Games, Gyan expressed his appreciation for the arrangements made for disabled athletes.

"Such tournaments should continue as they give a new player like me a chance to prove myself. Accommodation here is excellent. The entire stadium is accessible for disabled players. Food and the remaining arrangements are also being taken care of and at the same time, the behaviour of everyone from hospitality to volunteers here is extremely nice."

Gyan Prakash Sharma's journey is an inspiring tale of perseverance, adaptability, and the relentless pursuit of passion. As he takes on new challenges in the world of badminton, his story serves as a beacon of hope for countless aspiring para-athletes across the nation.