Swarga Foundation proudly announces the participation of three Parashooters, Balamani, Sanjeev Kumar Giri and Aadhitya Giri from Tamilnadu in the prestigious Shooting World Cup scheduled to take place in New Delhi in March 2024.
Balamani, hailing from Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, not only represents the Indomitable spirit of differently-abled individuals but also stands as the lone female contender from Tamil Nadu to earn a coveted spot in the global competition.
Under the transformative initiative, PROJECT LAKSHYA, Swarga Foundation has been dedicatedly training 15 individuals with disabilities in Air rifle and Pistol shooting at the Nehru Air Rifle Academy since 2018.
Swarga foundation’s Parashooters, guided by experienced coaches Ajay Adithan and Anuprabha, have consistently brought home numerous medals in District, State, Zonal, and National level shooting competitions. Tamilnadu Paralympic Sports Association has been instrumental in supporting the Parashooters for this competitive sport.
Balamani’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. A Polio survivor with an unyielding spirit, she defied all odds to pursue academic excellence, obtaining M.A., M.Phil, and B.Ed degrees in Tamil literature. Her foray into the world of sports was ignited by her husband’s passion, leading her to Swarga Foundation, where she found the opportunity for free shooting training for differently-abled women.
Supported by her husband and buoyed by financial assistance from Swarga Foundation, Balamani excelled in her training at Nehru Rifle Academy. Her achievements include securing the top spot in the women’s category at an inter- club beginners match, earning accolades from the Coimbatore District Collector and Police Commissioner. Undeterred by challenges, she continued her journey, clinching a silver medal in the 4th zonal match in the SH1a category and securing a remarkable seventh-place ranking in the National match, ultimately earning her a coveted spot in the 2024 Shooting World Cup.
Balamani’s pursuit of excellence, coupled with her dream of winning an Olympic gold in Para-Sports Rifle, serves as a testament to her unwavering commitment and resilience. Her inspiring story epitomizes determination and serves as a beacon of hope for those striving to overcome obstacles in pursuit of their dreams.
Swarga Foundation invites the community to join in celebrating Balamani’s historic participation in the Shooting World Cup along with Sanjeev Kumar Giri and Aadhitya Giri, as they continue to break barriers and inspire change.
