Bhopal July 14, 2026

There was a time when children in his neighbourhood called him Surdas. Today, the same young man is known across the country as India's first judoka to win a Paralympic medal. The journey of Kapil Parmar from a narrow lane in Madhya Pradesh's Sehore district to the podium at the Paris Paralympics 2024 is not merely a sporting achievement. It is a story of resilience, family support and an unshakable belief that physical disability cannot defeat human determination.

Kapil lost most of his eyesight nearly 13 years ago after suffering a severe electric shock. The accident pushed him to the brink of death and left him with complete vision loss in one eye and barely 10 per cent vision in the other. As evening falls, the world around him fades into darkness. For many, such an injury would have ended every sporting dream. For Kapil, it became the beginning of a new one.

His family had little money. His father worked as a daily wage labourer, while his mother earned a living by working in other people's homes. Before entering judo, Kapil wanted to become a wrestler. To pay for his diet and training, he cut crops in nearby fields and took up painting jobs whenever work was available. Even as he struggled financially, he also had to endure ridicule from people around him, who mocked his disability instead of encouraging him.

The turning point came when a coach, whom Kapil affectionately remembers as "Bhagwan Sir", recognised his potential and advised him to take up judo in the visually impaired category. That single piece of guidance changed the course of his life. Kapil embraced the sport with extraordinary dedication, transforming disappointment into determination.

Years of relentless training culminated in history at the Paris Paralympics 2024, where Kapil won a bronze medal, becoming the first Indian judoka to achieve the feat at the Paralympic Games. The achievement brought him national recognition. He later received the prestigious Arjuna Award, while President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi honoured his contribution to Indian sport. His modest home in Sehore is now filled with medals, trophies, certificates and photographs that tell the story of a life transformed. Symbolic cheques representing prize money worth nearly Rs 2 crore adorn the walls that once witnessed years of hardship.

Success, however, has not changed Kapil's priorities. He is now working to build a judo academy in Sehore, where more than 200 children are learning the sport. His dream is to ensure that young athletes, especially those with disabilities, receive opportunities that he had to fight for himself. To support his regular training in Bhopal, he was gifted a car by Kia India, making his daily commute easier. The Madhya Pradesh government has also extended assistance through the newly created State Disability Fund, while Sports Minister Vishvas Sarang has helped provide resources for his academy.

Kapil is also using his experience to assist para-athletes across the country and has recently been nominated to the District Disability Committee in Sehore, where he is expected to contribute to policies affecting persons with disabilities.

According to Madhya Pradesh Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities Dr Ajay Khemariya, Kapil's life is a powerful reminder that courage, discipline and perseverance can overcome even the most difficult circumstances. He described the Paralympian as an inspiration for society, saying that his humility and commitment to helping others make his achievements even more meaningful.

Kapil's next target is already clear. He wants to stand on the podium again, this time with a gold medal at an international competition in Japan. Whatever the outcome, one thing has already changed forever. The boy once mocked because he could barely see has shown an entire nation what true vision looks like.