Different lives, One Dream: Indian athletes eager to make mark in Asian Para Games

One is a world record holder, the other an Arjuna Awardee, and the third a reality TV contestant. Sundar Gurjar, Sandeep Maan and Shatabdi Avasthi have faced thousand roadblocks but are eager to see the Indian flag flying at the Asian Para Games.

The Asian Para Games are slated to be held from October 6 to 13 in Jakarta, Indonesia.

A resident of Rajasthan, Shatabdi dreamed of joining the armed forces as a child, but life had different plans for her. In 2006, she met with an accident, which confined her to the wheelchair.

"I was never exposed to sports, it was always studies and then a job for me. I took a bank exam and got placed in State Bank of India," Shatabdi told PTI.

In 2012, she got through to the 'hot seat' of a popular Hindi reality show, Kaun Banega Karorepati (KBC). A quick venture into the field of social service followed before Shatabdi zeroed in on competing as a para-athlete.

"In 2012, I was selected in KBC, I won 50 lakhs. After that I started a bit of social service. The motive was that if I have a different life I have to make it successful somehow," she said.

"The thought of sports never occurred. I used to read about Sundar Gujjar in the newspaper. I got inspiration from him and then I met my coach, he encouraged me. I felt that my dream of doing something for my country can be fulfilled through sports."
"I was a medal contender in Rio also, look what happened there. But let's see this time, preparation is good and I have faith in God. I just want to win for India."