City’s Bharathi defies cerebral palsy to win silver at Para Youth Asian Games

Mysuru: Just as our women’s blind cricket team made the country proud by winning the first ever Blind Women’s T20 World Cup held in Sri Lanka recently, Mysuru city’s B. Bharathi also etched her name in the record books by winning a silver medal at the recently concluded Para Youth Asian Games held at Dubai.

Bharathi, who has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy since childhood, took part in shot put, long jump and 100 mts sprint at Para Youth Asian Games. While she ended up winning a silver medal in the long jump, she broke the national record in 100 mts sprint and secured 4th place in shot put at the event.

Speaking to Star of Mysore, Bharathi said she was inspired by her father Bharathesh, a professional cyclist, to                                    take up sports.

“My father used to take me to Chamundi Vihar Stadium for practice every day which pushed me participate in sports events. My aim is to represent the State at the senior-level and the country in Paralympics,” she added.

After being selected for the Para Youth Asian Games, Bharathi had shifted to Bengaluru for about six months to prepare for the games. “Every day I used to get up at 5 am and practice for about three hours in the morning and three hours again in the evening. Our session included on-field practice in the morning and gym sessions in the evening,” said Bharathi.

Bharathesh said Bharathi was diagnosed for cerebral palsy since her birth but had the resilience to fight and emerge victorious at sports events.

“Bharathi took up sports in 2022 and since then she has been performing at highest level in all three events,” he added.

Currently studying first year  B.Com at GSSS Simha Subbamahalakshmi First Grade College in city, Bharathi is the elder daughter of Bharathesh and Usha, residents of Metagalli.