According to the account of Kapil Parmar, if one has great courage, nothing is impossible regardless of the scope of the challenges. After an accident, Kapil lost vision but did not give up on his aspirations and made history by medalizing for his country in the Paralympics.
Kapil Parmar: Paralympic medal shining through the gloom
From Sehore in Madhya Pradesh, Kapil Parmar has shown that, when one is passionate, any challenge becomes simple. Not only did Kapil honor his nation by earning a bronze medal in Judo at the Paris Paralympics 2024, but he also became a motivator for millions of others.
From wrestling to Judo’s path
The early years of Kapil Parmar were typical of an ordinary Indian child. He enjoyed learning wrestling and used to accompany his father to the wrestling venues. But 2010 brought a significant transformation into his life. He suffered an electric shock and passed out fixing the electric cable at home.
“Kapil always wanted to become a wrestler,” adds brother Lalit. He was electrocuted that evening trying to tighten the switch’s loose wire attached to the water motor pump. He passed out right away, then we drove him to Chirayu Medical College Hospital. He went into a coma more than six months ago.
From gloom to brightness
Kapil Parmar’s vision had grown really poor when he woke up. Doctors advised that his eyesight will worsen more with time. Kapil did not give up, though. He resolved to use sports to keep his dreams alive. “All of us, including Kapil, know that his vision loss will rise with time, and one day the loss will become 100 percent,” says Ram Singh Parmar, Kapil’s father. As family, we can help him realize his aspirations and see him bring medals for India.
Fresh optimism for Judo
2019 Kapil Parmar visited Madhya Pradesh Blind Judo Association Secretary Bhagwan Das. He began instruction in Judo for Kapil. The coaches struggled to teach him Judo movements because of bad vision, but Kapil persisted. Coach Das says, “For us, his pre-accidental wrestling background was a benefit. His right hand’s fingers were twisted, and he experienced general body weakness following the event. We had to show him Judo stances and motions by touching the body and signaling.”
Excellent Olympic performance
Kapil fulfilled his dreams through diligence and commitment. Defeating Elielton de Oliveira 10-0 in the men’s Judo J1 bronze medal play-off at the Paris Paralympics 2024 made history.
“He knew about many moves when he joined the national camp; thus, we had to teach him the finishing moves using body motions,” explains national coach Munawar Anzar. He has worked extremely hard for this medal; hence, it is a unique experience for all of us to see him receive it.”
“Kapil likes to celebrate his medal by eating rice with jaggery and fennel and sugar candy,” says brother Lalit. This little gesture captures Kapil’s straightforward approach and his attitude of being close to his roots.
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