In a story of extraordinary resilience, Geeta Rao, a 46-year-old para-cyclist from Ahmedabad, has transformed personal tragedy into a mission to put India on the global para-sports map. Paralyzed in childhood, she is now a qualified athlete for the 2024 Paralympics and a dedicated mentor to aspiring para-cyclists across the nation.
A Childhood Tragedy and a Fight for Life
Geeta Rao's life took a devastating turn at the tender age of three. A simple fever escalated into a catastrophe when a wrong medical injection left her paralysed. Confined to bed for years, her early life was a relentless struggle. The challenges became so overwhelming that by age eight, a hurtful comment about her disability pushed her to a desperate attempt to end her life. However, destiny had carved out a different, triumphant path for her.
Discovering Freedom on Two Wheels
The turning point arrived in 2016 when Rao, despite having a completely numb and paralysed left leg, mounted a bicycle for the first time. The feeling was transformative. "I felt like a free bird and instantly fell in love with cycling," she recalls. This newfound passion ignited a professional career. She began competing in events ranging from 100 km to a staggering 1,000 km, eventually leaving her IT job to pursue cycling full-time.
Her dedication bore fruit on the international stage. Rao's accolades include:
- A silver medal at the Asian Championship.
- A top performance at the 2024 Para Cycling World Cup.
- A gold medal at the World Abilitysport Games.
- An epic 3,700 km cycling journey from Kashmir to Kanyakumari last year.
Scouting Talent for a National Dream
Rao's success led to a greater calling. Recognised as the first woman para-cyclist from Gujarat to qualify for the Paralympics, she was handpicked by the Cycling Federation of India to scout and nurture new talent. Earlier this year, she trained over 30 para-cyclists from across India, including six from Gujarat, for the national championships.
"Many of them won medals in various categories. It was deeply satisfying, as it brought me a step closer to my dream of putting India on the global para-cycling map," Rao stated. She firmly believes in the country's untapped potential and is committed to mentoring as many athletes as possible to reach the international stage.
From a paralysed child to a Paralympian and a pioneering coach, Geeta Rao's journey is a powerful testament to the human spirit. She stands as a beacon of hope and a driving force behind India's rising prominence in global para-cycling.
