'All my hard work is dedicated to that': Arjuna Award winner Simran Sharma eyes gold at 2025 World Para Athletics Championships

Indian para athlete Simran Sharma’s journey from the streets of Ghaziabad to the world stage is a testament to her resilience and determination. Simran faced challenges from the very beginning. She was born prematurely and with visual impairment, and spent her early days in an incubator, fighting for survival.

Despite these hardships, Simran’s spirit remained unbroken and she went on to make a name for herself. She took up sports and eventually found solace and strength in athletics after being encouraged by her father. Her dedication paid off when she became the first Indian para-athlete to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics. Even though she didn’t win a medal there, the experience allowed her to aim higher.

#Proud
The first woman to qualify for the #TokyoParalympics, #SimranSharma is an epitome of grit and determination. The #AWWA fraternity will always remain proud of her achievements. @SimranVats11#AWWA#NariShakti pic.twitter.com/B0Zj8RAxUR

— Army Women's Welfare Association (@OfficialAwwa) March 25, 2023

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Breakthrough on the international stage

Simran’s first breakthrough came at the 2022 Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China, where she clinched two silver medals in the 100m and 200m T12 events. These victories marked her as a rising star in Indian para-athletics.

#Proud
Mrs Simran Vats, an #AWWA achiever, who made #India proud by winning two silver medals 🥈 in 4th Asian Para Games 2023 at #Hangzhou, #China was felicitated by Mrs Archana Pande, President #AWWA. pic.twitter.com/wssEf4t1if

— Army Women's Welfare Association (@OfficialAwwa) December 12, 2023

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The pinnacle of her career came at the 2024 World Para Athletics Championships in Kobe, Japan, where Simran not only secured a gold medal in the 200m T12 event but also achieved a personal best time of 24.95 seconds, becoming the first Indian woman to win a world title in para sprinting. She went on to win a bronze medal in the same category at the 2024 Paris Paralympics.

Congratulations to Simran Sharma as she wins a Bronze medal in the Women's 200M T12 event at the #Paralympics2024! Her success will inspire several people. Her commitment towards excellence and skills are noteworthy. #Cheer4Bharat pic.twitter.com/naFECcPCY7

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 7, 2024

Arjuna Award recognition

Her achievements were further recognised when she was honored with the prestigious Arjuna Award in January 2025 for her outstanding performances. Speaking exclusively to Firstpost, Simran said the recognition was a huge motivation for her and has given her new goals for the future. She now wants to win the gold medal for India.

“This award is like a motivation for me. I had dreamt of winning the Arjuna Award a few years ago, and when it finally happened, I felt like the biggest person in the world. It was the proudest moment of my life. It is a big achievement for my parents and my husband. This award has given me new goals for the future. I want to win a gold medal for my country, and all my hard work is dedicated to that,” she said.

President Droupadi Murmu confers Arjuna Award, 2024 on Ms. Simran in recognition of her outstanding achievements in Para-Athletics. Her achievements are:

• Bronze medal in Paralympics Games (Women’s 200m T12) held in Paris, France in 2024.

• Two silver medals in Asian… pic.twitter.com/aU56wdXPM5

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) January 17, 2025

Simran on her early struggles

Moving further into the conversation, Simran opened up about the struggles in her life and remembered her late father. “My father had been unwell for a long time. I was very emotionally attached to him, and it was his dream that I would bring home a medal. Sadly, he couldn’t witness it when I won. Maybe it was part of God’s plan,” she added.

The 26-year-old explained how she had to overcome many physical challenges as well to reach where she is right now. “It’s not just that I have a problem with my eyes. My body was also very weak. I was born premature, so I couldn’t develop well. My posture was slightly bent on one side. I have worked very hard to correct all of that in training with my guide. There were problems in many areas, but we have overcome most of them, and we are still working on the rest.”

Simran is now focused on the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships, which is slated to be held in New Delhi from September 27 to October 5. She has been training with her coach and husband, Gajender Singh, who fought with his own family after they raised concerns about Simran’s lifestyle as an athlete. He has been her pillar of support ever since the demise of her father.