Gyan Prakash Sharma: From Wheelchair Cricket and Arm Wrestling to Badminton Passion

New Delhi, March 21 (NationPress) Gyan Prakash Sharma embraces challenges. As a gifted athlete, he started participating in wheelchair cricket for Uttar Pradesh and, upon encouragement from others, ventured into arm wrestling, securing a bronze medal at the national Open championship in this discipline.

However, Gyan, a Patna resident in Bihar who has faced paralysis in both legs since birth, has formed a deep emotional connection with one sport - badminton. To enhance his skills and reputation, Gyan is competing in the Khelo India Para Games 2025 for the first time, expressing his ambition to excel in this arena.

Gyan Prakash Sharma, who participates in the Wheelchair (SL4) category, recently earned an MBA in HR specialization from Dr Shakuntala Mishra National Rehabilitation University in Lucknow. He also practices badminton on the university campus and is recognized as the only wheelchair badminton player from Bihar competing at the second edition of the Khelo India Para Games in Delhi.

“The Para National Championship of Badminton took place in Lucknow in 2023. At that time, I was employed by a company managing hospitality at the tournament venue. I interacted with players, match officials, and referees, and was greatly inspired by the sport, prompting me to play,” Gyan shared, as reported by SAI Media.

Gyan, whose father is a farmer, became the Bihar champion in his category in 2024 and later competed 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. This performance led to my selection for the second edition of Khelo India Para Games, and that's why I'm here today to witness the care provided to disabled athletes,” he explained.

Gyan Prakash Sharma arrived in Delhi with a borrowed wheelchair from a friend in Uttar Pradesh. He is not only a skilled arm wrestler but also a dedicated member of the Uttar Pradesh wheelchair cricket team. He claimed a bronze medal in the 57kg category at the All India Open Arm Wrestling Championships held in Indore last year.

“My journey as an arm wrestler was purely coincidental. A friend from Madhya Pradesh, Rinku, jokingly suggested I try arm wrestling. I gave it a shot and surprisingly, he was unable to defeat me. Afterward, he encouraged me to participate in the sport, mentioning an Open Championship in Indore. I went there unprepared and ended up winning the bronze medal!”

Meanwhile, Gyan mentioned that he pursued his MBA to support his family, and securing a job is his primary objective. However, he has developed a passion for badminton and aspires to establish a name for himself in the sport.

“For my family’s sake, I sometimes struggle to practice regularly. I am aiming for an assistant professor's job, but badminton is always on my mind. I aspire to make a name in this field, and the Khelo India Para Games is a significant milestone in my journey,” he stated.

Discussing the Khelo India Para Games, Gyan commended the Government of India for the excellent arrangements made in the capital.

“Such tournaments should be ongoing, as they provide opportunities for new athletes like me to showcase their talents. The accommodation is exceptional here, and the entire stadium is accessible for disabled athletes. Food and other arrangements have been well taken care of, and the hospitality from volunteers and organizers has been outstanding,” he concluded.