Growing up in the village of Sehore near Bhopal in central India, Kapil Parmar’s early life was deeply rooted in the fields. Labouring with his family, he had little time to imagine the future that lay ahead. Then at age 17, a tragic accident changed everything: an electric cable collapsed into irrigated fields and zapped him, leaving him totally blind and forcing a life-altering shift.
The accident could have meant the end of dreams. But for Kapil it marked the start of a new one. When he learned about a judo academy in Lucknow run by coach Munawar Anzar, he made the bold decision to leave home and dedicate himself to the tatami.
Judo became his path to purpose and ambition. Training as a visually‐impaired athlete, Kapil discovered that the lessons from his life in the fields – perseverance, physical strength, humility – could translate into the sport. He adapted. He learned the techniques. He built resilience.
In 2024, his hard work paid off with a bronze medal at the Paris Paralympic Games, followed by other major podiums at Asian championships and Asian Para-Games.
Yet he remains hungry — chasing gold, seeking new titles, and travelling far beyond his village to train and compete.
What stands out about Kapil is his mindset. He was transformed by adversity, but he chose to fight back. At just 24 years old he has become a formidable opponent on the IBSA judo tour: technically skilled, mentally strong and deeply motivated.
His journey offers more than sporting triumph. It speaks of adaptability and change. It reminds us that when life forces a new direction, it can also open doors we never saw. From the fields of Sehore to the mats of international judo, Kapil Parmar writes a story of transformation, hope and achievement.
For aspiring athletes, for anyone facing unexpected hardship, Kapil is a powerful example: you may lose one path, but you can still choose a new one — and in that choice lies promise.