Eyeway Conversations with Ankur Dhama

In this episode of Eyeway Conversations, George Abraham from Score Foundation sits down with Ankur Dhamma, an accomplished para-athlete and coach, to discuss his inspiring journey in athletics. Ankur, who has participated in multiple international events, including the Paralympics, shares how he first got interested in athletics during his school days at J.P.M. Senior Secondary School for the Blind in Delhi. Influenced by his family and senior athletes like Ravindra Singh Nagar, Ankur began his journey in sports at a young age, helping his seniors and eventually stepping onto the track himself.
Ankur talks about his specialization in middle and long-distance running, particularly in the 1500m and 5000m events, and how his coaches helped him transition from sprints to longer distances. He explains the role of guides in T11 category races for totally blind athletes, emphasizing the importance of coordination and trust between the athlete and the guide.
The conversation also delves into Ankur's achievements on the international stage, including his participation in the 2016 Rio Paralympics, where an unfortunate incident during a race hindered his performance. Despite such challenges, Ankur has continued to excel, earning multiple medals at the Asian Games and being honored with prestigious awards like the Arjuna Award and the Best Sportsperson of the Year by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
As a coach with the Sports Authority of India (SAI), Ankur is now focused on guiding the next generation of athletes, both able-bodied and para-athletes. He discusses the importance of a well-rounded training regimen that includes endurance, speed, strength, and agility. Ankur also highlights the role of professional agencies like GoSports Foundation and Olympic Gold Quest in supporting para-athletes and enhancing their performance through science-based training and facilities.
Towards the end of the episode, Ankur shares advice for visually impaired individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in sports. He encourages them to seek out local resources, such as blind schools or sports associations, and emphasizes the importance of awareness about the opportunities available in blind sports. Ankur’s story is a testament to the power of determination and the support systems that can help visually impaired athletes succeed on the global stage.
Shownotes:
1. Ankur's early interest in athletics and influence from family and school.
2. Transition from sprinting to middle and long-distance running.
3. The role of guides in T11 category races and the dynamics of running with a guide.
4. Ankur’s achievements in international competitions, including the Paralympics and Asian Games.
5. Discussion on the unfortunate incident at the Rio Paralympics 2016.
6. Awards and recognition received by Ankur, including the Arjuna Award.
7. Ankur's coaching career with SAI and his approach to training athletes.
8. The role of professional agencies like GoSports Foundation in supporting para-athletes.
9. Advice for visually impaired individuals interested in sports.
10. Closing thoughts and the potential for India to become a leading nation in para-sports.
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