As we reflected on International Women’s Day on 8 March, we honoured the stories of resilience, empowerment, and breaking barriers of our female athletes.
Riya, a 22-year-old athlete from Special Olympics Bharat, who is about to compete on the global stage at the World Winter Games (WWG) 2025 in Turin, Italy, shares her journey:
“People used to tease me, saying that I do not have it in me to be a sportsperson. But after I joined Special Olympics Bharat, not only was my confidence boosted, but it also showed others that I have what it takes to be a successful player.”
Riya’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of determination, family support, and the unifying power of sport.
Growing up in the Solan District of Himachal Pradesh in a low-income agricultural family, Riya’s early life was steeped in isolation and discouragement. She recalls, “Previously in school, when people did not know me, I was often overlooked by teachers and bullied by peers. I felt invisible and undervalued. But ever since I joined the movement, people have started recognising me as a good athlete and treated me nicely.”
In 2015, she was introduced to sport when she joined Special Olympics Bharat through the Ganpati Educational Society, an NGO working with individuals with intellectual disabilities. Riya’s journey began with the first-ever race camp held in Solan, a city in India, in 2016, where she discovered her passion for sport. Over time, she participated in multiple sports, including racing, badminton, and football, before choosing floorball as her primary sport. Each competition at the district, state, and national levels not only honed her athletic skills but also played a crucial role in rebuilding her self-confidence and sense of belonging.
Today, Riya’s daily routine reflects her unwavering commitment to excellence. Her mornings start with vigorous physical exercise that fuels her body, mind, and spirit, setting the stage for training sessions, academic responsibilities, and household chores.
Beyond sport, Riya has embraced leadership—captaining her team at the nationals in Gujarat and organising football camps. Her role extends into teaching floorball at her school, where she passes on the skills and confidence she has so diligently built. Moreover, she took ownership of strategising for the upcoming World Winter Games, a goal that drives her every day as she prepares to compete on a global stage.
Family support has been a cornerstone of her success, particularly her mother’s unwavering encouragement. This support, combined with her own perseverance, has transformed people’s perceptions of her into a celebrated athlete and role model.
Riya’s remarkable progress is reflected in her achievements on the field. From winning races to securing her place on the national Special Olympics team, every milestone underscores her hard work and dedication. Her story is not merely about personal triumph but also about inspiring others—demonstrating that with the right opportunities and persistent effort, no obstacle is insurmountable.
Her heartfelt message resonates with everyone who has ever been doubted. As she puts it, “Don’t pay attention to what people say; they will always undermine your capabilities. Keep pushing your boundaries to achieve milestones and just believe in yourself.” Her words encapsulate the essence of her journey—a narrative of transformation, hope, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
Riya’s story, like many strong women we know, serves as a powerful reminder that women everywhere, regardless of their backgrounds or circumstances, have the potential to rise above perceived limitations and create their own unique paths to success. We see you; we celebrate you; we are proud of you.
