Karnataka’s Rakshitha Raju Makes History As First Indian Woman In Paralympic 1500-Metre Race

As the Paris 2024 Olympic season comes to a close, the world now looks forward to the Paralympic Games Paris 2024. In a proud moment for our country, Rakshitha Raju from the state of Karnataka has been selected for the games. She is set to participate in the 1500-metre race.

As per the reports of Local18, Rakshitha became the first Indian woman sprinter to take part in the 1500 metre race, in the upcoming Paralympic Games. She is a visually challenged young woman, a resident of the Balur Guddadahalli, in the Mudigere town, located in the Chikmagalur district.

Rakshitha lost her mother when she was only two years old and by the age of ten, her dad passed away, more information states. She was brought up by her grandmother, a deaf elderly woman who made sure Rakshitha grew up with all the love she deserved. The athlete was able to win the hearts of others through her talent, cementing her place as one of the country’s best.

According to Local18, Rakshitha completed her education at the Ashakirana School for the Blind in Chikkamagaluru district headquarters, where she received significant guidance from her teacher Cynthia Fess, who had a profound impact on her life. Despite her struggles, Rakshitha kept her challenges to herself and remained determined to achieve great things. With the support of her coach, Rahul, she blossomed into a global talent. Rakshitha is now set to compete in the 1500-metre middle-distance race at the upcoming Paralympic Games in Paris, scheduled to take place from August 28 to September 8.

In 2016, she participated in the National level sports tournament for the visually challenged held in Delhi and emerged as the winner in the 400-metre race. Then in 2018 and 2023, Rakshitha earned medals in the Asian Para Games.