From Tragedy to Triumph; Pranav Soorma Holds India's Medal Hope High At Paris Paralympics

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It's rare for someone whose life has been altered by a tragic accident to describe it as a "blessing in disguise" or an "opportunity" to forge a new identity. But soon-to-be-Paralympian Pranav Soorma is no ordinary individual.

At the age of 16, in 2011, Soorma was left quadriplegic when the roof of his house collapsed on him. Confined to a wheelchair, the Faridabad-based para-athlete could have easily become bitter, but instead, he found a renewed sense of purpose through his adversity.

"I was always passionate about sports, but I never considered it as a career. Ironically, after I became paralyzed, I found my purpose. I see it as a blessing in disguise," Soorma, who also works as a banker, told PTI in an interview.

Soorma is the reigning Asian Paralympic champion in the men's F51 club throw event, holding the Asian Games record with a throw of 30.01 meters. With the Paris Paralympics on the horizon, scheduled for August 28 to September 8, he is considered a strong medal contender for India.

"I saw sports as a chance to create my own identity," he explained. "After the 2016 Rio Paralympics, I learned about para-sports. In 2018, I researched various para-sports, but due to my medical condition, I couldn't pursue para-swimming. I liked table tennis, but I couldn't find the right coach. Eventually, Narsi Ram sir, a para-athletics coach, introduced me to athletics, and that's how I chose club throw."

Soorma, a commerce graduate from Delhi School of Economics, currently serves as an assistant manager at Bank of Baroda, a position he earned after passing a competitive exam. Club throw, a para-sport equivalent to hammer throw, requires athletes to use their shoulders and arms to propel a wooden club as far as possible.

Standing tall at six feet, Soorma expressed deep gratitude towards his family for their unwavering support. His father, Sanjeev, left his job to care for him, while his mother took on the responsibility of financially supporting the family through her private job.

Despite his family's sacrifices, Soorma doesn't feel overwhelmed by pressure. "I felt the pressure when I made my debut at the Asian Paralympic Games, but I stayed calm and focused on my technique, which paid off. I plan to take the same approach in Paris."

For Soorma, the Paris Paralympics is a chance to establish himself in the sporting world and make his parents proud. "I'm working hard for a medal and confident I'll return with one. But for now, I'm focused on the journey rather than the outcome," he said.