In a remarkable display of strength and determination, Jeetu Kanwar, a 29-year-old athlete with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy, clinched the bronze medal in the T-35 class 100m sprint at the recent Khelo India Para Games in Delhi. Her extraordinary life story unfolds as a testament to her resilience and triumph over physical and mental challenges.
Jeetu’s journey began with adversity, as her severe form of cerebral palsy affected the movement of all four limbs, the trunk, and her face. Born into a humble family in Khudiyala Dhani, Jodhpur, Jeetu faced discrimination and hardship from an early age. Her parents, lacking in education and financial strength, sought help for her condition but found limited resources and support.
Undeterred by the challenges, Jeetu’s determination shone through as she took three years to start walking. Facing torment from peers in local schools, she eventually found solace and success at a school for persons with physical disabilities. Despite struggling with everyday tasks like tying shoelaces or writing, Jeetu emerged as a topper from class 6 to 12 at Sucheta Kripalani Shiksha Niketan.
Her academic achievements, including receiving the Indira Priyadarshini Award, opened doors for higher education. With a scholarship from a US-based NGO, Jeetu pursued a BA Pass course at Kamala Nehru College, overcoming discrimination from classmates. Graduating in 2013, she continued her academic journey, earning a Master’s degree in Public Policy, Law, and Governance from the Central University of Rajasthan in 2015.
Jeetu’s indomitable spirit led her to Delhi’s Jawahar Lal Nehru University, where she is currently a research scholar pursuing a PhD in Public Health. Her parents witnessed her achievements for the first time during the convocation, marking a proud moment for the family.
In 2015-2016, repeated mobility issues prompted Jeetu to consult doctors at AIIMS, kickstarting her sports career. Inspired by the Rio Olympics, she delved into physiotherapy and physical activity. Since then, Jeetu has achieved remarkable success in Para Athletics, winning the 100m gold thrice and securing gold in 200m, along with a silver in long jump, at the National Para Athletics Championships.
Jeetu Kanwar’s story is not just one of sporting triumph but a beacon of inspiration, proving that strength, resilience, and determination can overcome even the most formidable challenges. With her sights set on the 2024 Paris Paralympics, Jeetu continues to defy odds and inspire others on her incredible journey.
Comments