Lucknow: Defying physical challenges and proving that disability is no barrier to success, Jatin Kushwah of Agra won a gold medal, while Sarita Dwivedi secured silver at the 2nd Boccia India Federation Cup 2026, which concluded at Rajputana Rifles Regimental Centre in Delhi Cantonment on Thursday.Sarita, who lost both her hands and one leg after suffering an electric shock at the age of four, is currently employed with Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO) in Kanpur and also serves as its brand ambassador. Jatin has muscular dystrophy, a condition that causes the gradual and progressive weakening of all four limbs. Their achievements demonstrate how determination and access to opportunities can help persons with disabilities excel in competitive sports.Boccia is a precision ball sport for people with physical disabilities in which players aim to place their balls as close as possible to a target ball using strategy, concentration and accuracy. Athletes who cannot throw or roll a ball independently can participate with the help of a ramp and an assistant.Jatin clinched gold in the BC4 men’s individual category, while Sarita bagged silver in the BC3 women’s individual category. In boccia, classifications are based on athletes’ functional abilities and the level of assistance they require. BC4 athletes compete independently despite significant physical impairments, while BC3 athletes use a ramp and receive assistance from a sports assistant.“Winning this gold medal is a proud moment for me. I hope my achievement encourages more people with disabilities to take up sports and work towards their goals,” said Jatin.Meanwhile, Sarita said the medal meant a lot to her and that she hoped her journey would inspire other people with disabilities to believe in themselves and explore the opportunities that sports can offer.UPPBA secretary Priyanka Yadav said, “This is the result of their hard work, talent, determination and belief.” She added that the achievement would help promote boccia among persons with disabilities across the state.Faculty in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences, Amit Rajan, said, “These athletes need continuous support for medical and rehabilitation needs throughout. I am happy to enable athletes while they bring laurels to UP.”The championship was inaugurated by Chief of Defence Staff General NS Raja Subramani and president of Defence Wives Welfare Association, Mahalakshmi Subramani.
