Breaking barriers Jyoti overcomes disability to win international medals

Sixteen-year-old Jyoti from Ellenabad is proving that physical disability is no barrier to determination and success. Born with one leg shorter than the other, Jyoti has overcome challenges to become a rising star in para-sports.

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Despite her disability, Jyoti has claimed 12 medals in shot put, discus throw and javelin throw at national and international competitions. A Class X student at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya in Odhan, she showed an early interest in sports. Though walking was difficult, Jyoti refused to let it stop her.

She began using a prosthetic leg and started competing in sports. In April 2022, she was selected for a special camp for disabled athletes in Haridwar, organised by the Aditya Mehta Foundation. There, she excelled in shot put and discus throw, catching the attention of coaches. This led to her selection for advanced training at the Foundation’s centre in Hyderabad.

Jyoti’s dedication began to bear fruit in 2023. At the state-level games in Rohtak, she won gold medals in shot put and javelin throw. Later that year, at the national competitions in Gujarat, she won a gold in shot put and a silver in javelin throw. Her success continued at the international level in December 2023, where she earned silver medals in javelin throw and shot put, along with a bronze in discus throw in Thailand.

Despite her achievements, Jyoti remains humble and committed to improvement. After her international success in Thailand, she vowed to win gold at the next competition. Her coach, Vinu Koti, has been a constant source of support, encouraging Jyoti to stay confident and focused.

In 2024, Jyoti continued to shine. At the national competitions in Bangalore, she won silver medals in both shot put and discus throw. Later that year, she achieved her long-held dream. At the international games in Thailand, she won gold in javelin throw and silver in discus throw, bringing honour to her family and country.

Alongside her sporting career, Jyoti has remained dedicated to her education. Despite a busy schedule, she continues to focus on her studies and is preparing for her Class X exams in February. She is also looking ahead to upcoming international competitions, including the Dubai International Games in 2025.

Jyoti’s father, Vijaypal, takes great pride in her accomplishments. “When she first started sports, we didn’t know how she would manage. But after her first gold medal, we knew she could achieve anything,” he says.

Lalit Kalra, the Principal of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Odhan, says, “We are immensely proud of Jyoti. Balancing education and sports is challenging, but she has managed to do it. We are confident that one day, Jyoti will win a gold medal for our country at the Paralympics.”

Jyoti’s story serves as an inspiration to children with disabilities. She hopes others understand that disability does not mean inability. “Never let your physical challenges hold you back. You can achieve great things,” she says.