“Disability need not be an obstacle to success”
-Stephen W. Hawking
There are amazing athletes who have everything going for them. Then, there are some exceptional people on this list: who win inspite of all the odds bundled up against them. Jeetu is one of them! Jeetu has been involved in Cerebral Palsy sports events for over 2 years now. The list of medals earned by Jeetu in the short course of her Para Athletics career is phenomenal.
Jeetu hails from a small village in Balesar Tehsil in Jodhpur. She was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at the age of 3. Cerebral Palsy is a set of neurological condition that affects body movement, muscle control, muscle coordination, muscle tone, body reflex, posture and balance. It can also impact fine motor skills, gross motor skills, and oral motor functioning.
“This journey hasn’t been easy. I keep confronting many problems in my daily life. I feel pain and discomfort in walking, bathing, drinking, eating, writing, and speaking. But I never gave up. I always took it as a challenge! I am a fighter and I have always fought with my pain and difficulties. Everyone has problems but the real challenge is how we overcome them,”says Jeetu.
Inspiration
It all started with Rio Olympic2016. That was when she began her research on Para Athletics and approached the Rajasthan Para Athletic Federation. Soon after Jeetu started her training and continued to work hard. Impressed by her positive approach her coaches encouraged her to perform better. Since then she has been following a strict training routine. “I started running every morning and evening. I have never looked back,” recounts Jeetu.
Academic Achievements
Jeetu has many more achievements under her belt.She is an M.A; a gold medalist from Central University of Rajasthan. Rajasthan Government conferred her with Indira Praydarshani Award.She is also a Junior Research Fellow (JRF) Awardee.And she is currently pursuing her PhD from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.
“I have to work harder than my colleagues. I often have to forgo my ‘sweet’ sleep when my fellow batch mates are enjoying their sleep time. I take much longer than them in completing my term papers and seminar papers,” says Jeetu. Candidly she adds,“I was also very active in extracurricular activities like, debate competitions, essay writing, and quiz competitions”.
My Gratitude
“I would like to thank a few people who have supported me in all my endeavours. Firstly, I would like to pay my gratitude to my ‘Bhagwan’. Almighty has never let me down! Also my family, Gurus and friends are my constant support,” says Jeetu.
Hobbies
Jeetu loves reading biographies, likes meeting new people, and outdoor activities excite her. In her own words she has been “really inspired by A.P.J. Abdul Kalam”
Proud Moment
“My sports achievements have made me quite confident. My proud moment was when everyone in the university wanted to take a selfie or picture with me.I felt like a star! Thereafter, everyone wanted to see me- my father’s friends, my mother’s friends, brother and sister came to greet me.Being a Showstopper at the Ambiance Mall Fashion week was a fun moment too,” recalls Jeetu with a glint in her eyes.
Sports Achievements
“My achievements? Let me think…I am going to list them”.
The incredible sports accomplishments list was beyond comprehension:
7th Rajasthan State Para Athletics Championship – held in Jaipur (3rd December – 5th December 2016).
• 1 Gold Medal in 400 Metre Race
• 1 Silver Medal in 200 Metre Race
• Silver Medal in 100 Metre Race
9th Delhi State Para Athletics Championship – held in Delhi (25th February – 28th February 2017).
• 1 Gold Medal in 400 Metre Race
• 1 Silver Medal in Long Jump
• 1 Silver Medal in Jaw line Throw
17th National Para Athletics Championship – held in Jaipur Rajasthan (31st March – 1st April 2017).
• 1 Gold Medal in 100 Metre Race
• 1 Silver Medal in 200 Metre Race
8th Rajasthan State Para Athletics Championship – held in Udaipur (25th December -29th December 2017).
• 1 Gold Medal in 100 Metre Race
• 1 Gold Medal in 200 Metre Race
• 1 Gold Medal in Long Jump
14th National Para Athletics Championship – held in Patna, Bihar (22nd March -23 March 2018).
• Gold Medal in 100 Metre Race
• 1 Gold Medal in 200 Metre Race
• 1 Gold Medal in Long Jump
18th National Para Athletics Championship – held in Panchkula, Haryana (25th March to 29th March 2018).
• 1 Gold Medal in 100 Metre Race
• 1 Silver Medal in 200 Metre Race
Goal in Life
“My ultimate goal is to compete at Paralympics and I am eyeing Tokyo 2020. There are good and bad days. In the end, persistence, determination, positivity and hard work are the Mantras of success.My dream is to see more and more girls performing in sports,” voiced Jeetu in an enthusiastic note.
Penned by- Minakshi Dewan
Minakshi Dewan holds a doctoral degree from the Centre for Social Medicine and Community Health, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. She has worked with various NGOs after completing her master’s degree from Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai. She has authored a picture book for children. She is also an expert blogger with Momspresso.