Sukant Kadam’s life took a sharp turn when a knee injury during his youth ended his dream of playing cricket. After multiple surgeries and a permanent impairment in his left leg, he was forced to leave sports behind. But his passion for sports never faded. Moving out of his village to pursue engineering, he discovered a new world of possibilities, including para-sports. Witnessing Sania Nehwal’s bronze medal win at the 2012 London Olympics and Girisha Nagarajegowda’s silver in the Paralympic high jump ignited his desire to compete on the international stage.
Despite facing challenges, including being misclassified in his first international event, Kadam remained dedicated. He trained rigorously, perfecting his skills for the higher level of competition. This determination led him to victories on the international circuit, winning bronze medals at the Asian Championships and the IWAS World Games.
However, his journey wasn’t without setbacks. Missing out on a spot in India’s contingent for the Tokyo Paralympics was a crushing blow. “Everything dropped to zero,” Kadam confessed, describing the period of self-doubt and negativity he faced. But Kadam, true to his nature, emerged stronger, turning his focus to Paris 2024.
Kadam’s resilience is not only seen in his sport but also in his approach to life. He embraces the unknown, adapting to change with a calm demeanor. His training regimen even reflects this, with his playlist constantly evolving, allowing him to stay present and open to new experiences. He applies a similar approach to his competition, viewing every encounter with merit and refusing to dwell on past disappointments.
This dedication has led him to the doorstep of the Paris Paralympics. With a newfound confidence and unwavering determination, Kadam is ready to take on the world, proving that adversity can be a catalyst for greatness. His story inspires us to embrace challenges, chase our dreams relentlessly, and never give up on our passions.
