Author: Trisha Ghosal

Trisha Ghosal in Paris India’s Paralympics campaign received a tremendous boost as Preeti Pal, the inspiring para-athlete from Uttar Pradesh, clinched the bronze medal in the Women’s 100m T35 final at the Paris Paralympics 2024. This victory marks Preeti’s second bronze on the world stage, following her remarkable performance in the 200m event at the World Para Athletics Championships in Kobe, Japan, earlier this year. Preeti’s journey to this moment has been nothing short of extraordinary. Diagnosed with cerebral palsy at a young age, she faced immense challenges growing up in Meerut, where access to proper treatment was limited. However,…

Trisha Ghosal in Paris Sheetal Devi’s extraordinary prowess in archery is nothing short of a masterpiece — each movement of her is akin to a stroke of genius on the grand canvas of life. Born with phocomelia, a rare medical condition that left her without arms, she has transformed what many would see as a limitation into a symphony of strength, resilience and artistry. In the world of para archery, Sheetal is not just an athlete; she is an artist, painting with the colours of determination, hope and sheer willpower. Imagine a vast canvas, blank and waiting for the first…

Mandeep Kaur has emerged as a shining star in the world of para badminton, embodying resilience, determination, and versatility. Hailing from Haryana, Mandeep’s journey to the top has been marked by overcoming numerous challenges, with a career that spans across two sports and showcases her exceptional athletic abilities. Before becoming a para badminton sensation, Mandeep was already a celebrated athlete in a different arena — arm wrestling. She won the national arm wrestling championship three times, demonstrating her extraordinary strength and competitive spirit. Her success in arm wrestling laid the foundation for her athletic career, but a new opportunity would…

Passion is a powerful force, often defining our choices and shaping our lives. For most athletes, this passion manifests in a singular focus on their sport. But Archana Kamath, one of India’s top table tennis players, has taken a different path. At 24, she has chosen to step away from her successful sports career to pursue her other great passion: academics. Archana’s decision is rare and inspiring. While many athletes find fulfilment in their sporting achievements, Archana demonstrates that passion can be multifaceted. Her choice to retire and pursue a Master’s degree in Public Policy reflects a deep commitment to…

Neeraj Chopra, the pride of Indian athletics, has never shied away from pushing the limits. His recent silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics, while an incredible achievement, left him visibly disappointed—a sentiment he didn’t try to hide. For an athlete of his caliber, with sky-high expectations, anything less than gold can feel like a shortfall. Yet, despite nursing a long-term groin injury that reportedly hampered his runway speed in Paris, Neeraj has chosen to compete in the final Diamond League event of the season in Lausanne. This decision, while showcasing his relentless drive, raises a significant debate: Is…

Trisha Ghosal As my colleague Rohan and I explored the picturesque city of Reims, France, we found ourselves standing before the awe-inspiring Notre Dame Reims. This cathedral, steeped in history, has been the sacred site where 25 kings of France were coronated, their destinies sealed in the presence of the iconic Joan of Arc. The grandeur of this place, with its soaring Gothic architecture and the weight of history in its stones, left us both humbled and reflective. But what struck me most was the striking parallel between the coronations of these kings and the upcoming Paris Paralympics, now…

Trisha Ghosal in Paris As I boarded the Seine River cruise in Paris, a sense of excitement washed over me, one that I hadn’t anticipated. The sun had started its descent, casting a golden hue over the city, and I couldn’t help but feel a connection to the athletes who, just a few weeks earlier, had embarked on a similar journey during the Paris Olympics 2024 opening ceremony. As the boat gently pulled away from the dock, I found myself slipping into a reverie, imagining the thrill, the pride, and the nerves that must have coursed through those athletes as…

Trisha Ghosal in Paris Paris, with its timeless allure and romantic spirit, has always been a city where dreams are etched into reality. Just a week ago, the world watched as the Paris Olympics 2024 concluded, a spectacular event where athletes from across the globe manifested their dreams of glory and triumph on the grandest stage. Now, as the city transitions from the euphoria of the Olympics to the anticipation of the upcoming Paralympics, the Seine River and the bridges near Notre Dame serve as a poignant metaphor for the power of manifestation — both in love and in sport.…

Trisha Ghosal in Paris As I prepare to cover the Paralympics for the first time, I find myself filled with anticipation unlike any other. This isn’t just another sports event—it’s a celebration of the human spirit, a testament to resilience, determination, and the unyielding pursuit of excellence. What excites me most about covering the Paralympics isn’t merely the incredible athletic feats that will unfold before my eyes, but the profound stories of courage and triumph that each athlete brings to these Games. The Paralympics, more than any other event, forces us to challenge our perceptions of ability and…

Trisha Ghoshal in Paris The excitement around the Paris 2024 Olympics has reignited a perennial debate on social media: Why does India, with its enormous population, still struggle to secure even double-digit medals? As I walked through the streets of Reims, a charming city in France, I stumbled upon an answer that was both simple and profound. While visiting Reims, my colleague and I decided to explore a park opposite the Stade de Reims stadium. This wasn’t just any park; it was a sprawling oasis of leisure and activity, bustling with life. As we meandered through the greenery, we observed…