They May Be Little But Their Steps Are Huge Towards Success, A Para-Badminton Athlete, Disha Pandya Proves This #EmbraceEquity

By Bhumika Chitkara

“Oh, you are probably too short for this.” “Oh, you are too thin.” “Oh no, you will have to lose some weight; who’s gonna marry you like this.” Who has set these notions with the things that are literally out of our hands?  Something that we are shocked to see is that people form perspectives about people they don’t even know personally! “Do this, and you will be able to lose some weight.” “Do that, and you will be able to increase your height.” It’s high time people should stop forming opinions about others and doubting their capabilities! To prove this stigma wrong, we have an inspiring story of Disha Pandya, An Indian National Para-Badminton Athlete. 

Source: timesofindia

Disha Pandya proudly calls herself a ‘Proud Indian Dwarf!’ 

Disha was born with a condition called Achondroplasia dwarfism, which leads to shorter limbs. When Disha was a child, her classmates used to tease her, and she was not allowed to take part in most extracurricular activities. These things made Disha really sad and furious. She has always been interested in sports and dance but was never given a proper chance to take it forward. 

Source:connectdishapandya

It was all until 2018 when she met Mark Dharmai. Mark was a fellow parathlete and encouraged the graphic designer, Disha, to pursue badminton as her career. In 2019, Pandya won a gold medal in women’s doubles with Ruhi Shingade in National Para-Badminton Championship and a silver medal with Mark under SS6.

Disha has made our country proud and proves anything is possible if you are determined and focused enough! Disha is now a mom to twins too! We wish her all the very best in her future endeavours. 

Another inspirational story: Meet India's Youngest Dead Lifter Arshia Goswami Embrace Equity