A medal-winning Para-Athlete who continues her passion while awaiting recognition
Shimla, Aug 16,
Para-athlete Palak Bhardwaj from Sarkaghat, who won two silver medals at the 2015 Special Olympic World Games, remains an inspiring figure for her community. Despite challenges, she continues to pursue her passion for sports while awaiting greater recognition and support.
Palak’s father, private sector employee B.S. Bhardwaj, recalls the pride her medals brought to Himachal Pradesh. Since then, though she has participated in several competitions and earned honours, she has not been able to return to the international medal stage. He believes his advocacy for para-athletes’ rights may have affected her selection prospects.
Even so, Palak has not given up. She continues to train and compete, keeping her determination alive. Her journey highlights the resilience of differently-abled athletes who often face limited institutional opportunities despite early success.
During a recent visit to Sarkaghat, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu acknowledged Palak’s achievements when the family raised their concerns, and assured that the government would consider support to help her continue her sporting career.
For now, Palak’s story stands as both a reminder of past glory and a testament to her perseverance—an athlete who refuses to let challenges overshadow her passion for the game.
About the Author
The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.