TOPS Sprinter Simran Sharma Targets Gold Medals in Paralympic Games

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New Delhi, Jun 14: From facing ridicule for her visual impairment to clinching gold at the recent World Para Athletics Championships in Kobe, Japan, Simran Sharma's journey is one of remarkable resilience and determination.

Guided by her husband and coach, Gajendra Singh, who serves in the Army Service Corps, Simran trains rigorously at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi.

Simran's dedication and perseverance have helped her overcome significant physical and socio-economic challenges, culminating in her winning the T12 200m gold medal at the World Championships. The 26-year-old clocked an impressive 24.95 seconds, surpassing her previous personal best of 25.16 seconds.

Determined not to rest on her laurels, Simran now sets her sights on the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, scheduled from August 28 to September 8. She aims for podium finishes in both the T-12 100m and 200m sprints. "My coach always says that after completing one event, we must focus on the next. Now that the World Championships are over, my training is geared towards the Paralympics. If I stay fit and injury-free, I will strive to bring home two gold medals for India," Simran told SAI Media.

Simran has consistently excelled in national and international competitions. Since 2022, she has dominated the National Championship and the Indian Open in both the 100m and 200m events. She also secured two silver medals at the Asian Para Games in Hangzhou last year and triumphed with three gold medals in the 100m, 200m, and long jump at the inaugural Khelo India Para Games in December 2023. These accomplishments led to her induction into the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS).

However, her path to success has not been without setbacks. Despite her potential for gold in the 100m, she was disqualified due to a false start, which intensified the pressure to qualify for the Paralympics through the 200m race.

"I always dreamed of hearing our National Anthem at an international tournament. After my disqualification in the 100m, I was determined to make up for it in the 200m. Despite my nerves, I focused on my journey and the support I received, which helped me secure my place for Paris," Simran shared.

Simran's story began in Modinagar, Ghaziabad, where she was born prematurely and spent the first ten weeks of her life in an incubator, during which her visual impairment was discovered. Growing up with a bedridden father and a housewife mother, financial struggles made the dream of pursuing sports seem distant.

However, a chance encounter with Gajendra Singh at MM College grounds in 2015 changed her trajectory. Gajendra helped build her muscle strength and stamina before honing her technique. The couple faced societal resistance but tied the knot in 2017, united by their shared passion and determination.

Gajendra's unwavering support was pivotal in Simran's journey. He even sold part of his land to finance her T13 license for the World Para Grand Prix in 2019. "When she won gold in Japan, I proudly told everyone, 'My wife is a world champion.' I am confident she will continue to make India proud," Gajendra said.

Simran expressed her gratitude towards the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) for their support. "They allowed me to compete in the Asian Para Games without selection trials, despite my recent hamstring injury. Winning two silver medals in Hangzhou was a significant relief," she noted.

With the Paris Paralympics on the horizon, Simran Sharma dreams of standing on the podium, bringing pride to her country and fulfilling the aspirations of those who have supported her unwaveringly.