Despite my spinal cord injury, I am a para athlete and want to represent India

My name is Rupa Devi. I am a 22-year-old BSc student from Andhra Pradesh. My father Satya Rao passed away when I was young, and my mother Yashodha, a farmer, has looked after me and my sister since then.

I think of May 22, 2019, as a black day for me. I was on my terrace of my house and suddenly felt dizzy. It was so bad that I fell off the terrace and fell unconscious, after which I was rushed to hospital.

I had to undergo surgery, after which the doctors informed my family about my spinal cord injury and also told them that I would no longer be able to walk. I lost my confidence completely when I heard this.

Staying in bed led to high blood pressure and bed sores. Slowly, I began to get better, but the physical healing took nearly eight months.

During this phase, I found myself hitting an emotional low. I got to know about rehabilitation and started rehab, which helped me gain strength - physically and mentally.

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I started watching videos on YouTube and one day came across a video of a para badminton player, which inspired me immensely. I decided to take up para badminton as a profession and started playing in a wheelchair whenever I got a chance.

Recently I participated in the state-level para badminton tournament and won a silver medal on my debut. This opened a new door – I was selected to be trained at Anand Kumar Badminton Academy.

I am so excited to play for the upcoming national events. My dream is to play for India in international tournaments and get medals for our country.

During this phase, I was supported by Vidhyadhan though its scholarship programme. This flagship higher education scholarship programme involves training and mentoring for meritorious students from economically disadvantaged families.

Before I got this scholarship I was finding it difficult to manage my studies, financially and emotionally. I am very thankful to Vidyadhan. I am at present living with my mother while doing BSc via correspondence, and looking forward to playing for India.