Gyan Prakash Sharma thrives on challenges. A gifted athlete, he started playing wheelchair cricket for Uttar Pradesh, and at the encouragement of others, ventured into arm wrestling, where he secured a bronze medal at the national Open Championship.

However, the Patna native—who has been paralyzed in both legs since birth—has developed a deep emotional connection to badminton. As he participated in the Khelo India Para Games 2025 for the first time, Gyan expressed his ambition to excel in this sport.

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Competing in the Wheelchair (SL4) category, Gyan also earned an MBA in HR specialization from Dr. Shakuntala Mishra National Rehabilitation University (Lucknow) this year, where he practices badminton on campus. Notably, he is the only wheelchair badminton player from Bihar participating in the second edition of the Khelo India Para Games that began on Thursday.

When asked about how he got started in the sport, Gyan explained, “The Para National Championship of Badminton took place in Lucknow in 2023. At that time, I was employed by a company managing hospitality for the event. I had the opportunity to meet players, officials, and referees, which inspired me to take up the sport.”

Hailing from a farming family, he became the Bihar champion in his category in 2024 and subsequently competed in the Senior National Para Championship in Jamshedpur.

“That was my first tournament. I progressed to the pre-quarterfinals out of 64 players in my category. This achievement led to my selection for the second edition of the Khelo India Para Games. That’s why I am here today, eager to witness the support provided to disabled athletes.”

Gyan traveled to Delhi with a wheelchair borrowed from a friend in Uttar Pradesh. He is not only skilled in arm wrestling but also a regular member of the Uttar Pradesh wheelchair cricket team, where he won a bronze medal in the 57kg category at the All India Open Arm Wrestling Championships in Indore last year.

“My arm wrestling career began by chance. A friend from Madhya Pradesh, Rinku, jokingly suggested I try it out. When I did, he couldn’t beat me. He then encouraged me to participate in a competition in Indore, where I went unprepared and ended up winning a bronze medal!”

Gyan mentioned that earning his MBA was crucial for fulfilling his family responsibilities, and securing a job is his primary goal. Yet, his passion for badminton drives him to achieve recognition in the sport.

“At times, my family obligations prevent me from practicing regularly, but I am actively seeking an assistant professor position. However, badminton is always on my mind. I aim to establish my name in this sport, with the Khelo India Para Games being a significant milestone along the way.”

Commenting on the Khelo India Para Games, Gyan praised the excellent arrangements made by the government in the capital.

“Such tournaments should continue, as they provide emerging athletes like me a chance to shine. The accommodations are exemplary. The stadium is fully accessible for disabled players, and the food and other arrangements have been meticulously handled. The friendliness of everyone—from hospitality staff to volunteers—has been exceptionally nice,” he concluded.