Haryana’s Sandeep Dangi Smashes Paralysis To Bag Khelo India Para Games Table Tennis Bronze…….

Sandeep Dangi was once expected to follow a path in academia that would lead to a bright future as a PhD candidate.

Sandeep Dangi of Haryana is a living example of courage, resiliency, and an unwavering spirit that refuses to let circumstances define one in a world where fates are frequently rewritten by chance. Dangi, who placed third in the Class-1 table tennis competition at the first-ever Khelo India Para Games and earned a bronze medal at the Para Asian Games in Hangzhou in 2023, was originally expected to pursue a PhD. However, the 36-year-old, who holds both a BTech and an MTech degree, found herself on an unexpected path by chance.

2016 saw a near-fatal car accident that significantly changed Sandeep Dangi’s life. He was left 90% paralyzed and facing an uncertain future. However, Dangi demonstrated the ability of the mind to both adapt to his new lifestyle and bring honor to the country.

Sandeep’s father, Surinder Singh Dangi, a former head boxing coach at Sports Authority of India (SAI), is a key player in his comeback story. Together, they overcame the most trying time in Sandeep’s life, when mental difficulties rather than physical ones posed the biggest obstacle. He had things to unlearn.

Giving up on 29 years of experience as an able-bodied person was necessary for this. Sandeep experienced a paradigm shift in his life, going from being independent to needing help with even the smallest tasks, but his spirit never faltered.

When Sandeep Dangi thinks back on his mental toughness after the accident, he gives his father credit for giving him a constant sense of confidence and for directing his attention away from the past and toward reaching goals. As he puts it, “He gave me targets, always pushing me forward,” emphasizing how important goal-setting was to his path.

Throughout his rehabilitation, Sandeep Dangi never wavered in the face of enormous obstacles. He revived his love for table tennis, which he had played heavily throughout his time in college. After the accident, Sandeep had to overcome a special difficulty in order to continue playing the sport: his physical restrictions made it impossible for him to hold the table tennis racquet, so he had to tie it around his wrist in order to negotiate the pingpong ball.

In his own words, “table tennis found its way back into my life during my rehabilitation,” Sandeep recalls the crucial moment he realized the healing potential of the game.

Sandeep’s journey into competitive table tennis started in 2018, despite the initial challenges, thanks to his father’s encouragement to compete in the nationals’ Class-1 division.

Sandeep’s incredible mental toughness was on display to the world in 2018 when he made his debut at the Jakarta Asian Para Games and placed fourth. His real shining moment, though, came in 2023 at the Para Asian Games in Hangzhou, where he won the bronze medal—a feat that sent shockwaves through the country.

Even India’s Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, praised Sandeep’s remarkable accomplishment on Twitter, praising his commitment and unwavering spirit.

Sandeep has to tie his table tennis racquet to his wrist in order to play the game, but his dedication and perseverance have allowed him to win the title of national champion in his division for five years running (2019–2023).

Regarding the importance of the inaugural Khelo Indian Para Games, Sandeep Dangi stated, “A platform such as the Khelo Indian Para Games is essential in providing para athletes with opportunities and inspiration.

“By following international norms and regulations, this championship nearly emulates an international competition, giving aspiring para athletes much-needed exposure. Thousands of people with disabilities will be motivated by this admirable government initiative to rise above their limitations and make whatever positive contribution they can to the nation’s development.”

Sandeep has a straightforward but profound message for aspiring paraathletes: “Set one goal and focus solely on achieving it.”

About Para Games in Khelo, India

The most recent development in the Government of India’s Khelo India initiative is the first-ever Khelo India Para Games in 2023. The Khelo India Para Games aim to empower all athletes who deal with disabilities and support sports at the grassroots level. The goal of KIPG, which places inclusivity and empathy at its core, is to identify and develop a pipeline of champions who will represent India with pride in global paralympic competitions.

From December 10–17, 2023, three locations in New Delhi will host KIPG. There will be about 1,400 athletes competing at the Games. Seven different sports will be represented by these athletes: football, badminton, table tennis, shooting, archery, and powerlifting.

Deepali Sports, a branch of Deepali Designs and Exhibits, is the main sponsor of the Khelo India Para Games. Additionally, Surya Roshni Ltd. and IBDN, a CII initiative, are co-powering this event. The primary accessibility organization in India, Svayam, is the Khelo India Para Games 2023’s accessibility partner.