Empowering Lives and Inspiring Resilience: The Wheelchair Rugby Exhibition Match at Noida Indoor Stadium

In a heartwarming display of resilience and determination, the Noida Indoor Stadium recently played host to an exhibition match that left spectators in awe. This remarkable event saw the participation of over 100 wheelchair users, who not only attended but also engaged in various wheelchair sports, including basketball, football, and hurdles. Among the shining stars of this gathering was Nikhil Gupta, a name synonymous with tenacity, who, despite a life-changing spinal cord injury, rose to international acclaim in the world of wheelchair rugby.

Back in 2008, at the tender age of 25, Nikhil Gupta was a software engineer living a life filled with promise and ambition. However, a tragic spinal cord injury abruptly altered the trajectory of his existence, rendering him quadriplegic. In the face of this life-altering challenge, many would have succumbed to despair, but Gupta chose a different path. He refused to let his disability define him and, instead, turned to the world of wheelchair rugby, where he not only found solace but also ascended to become an international champion.

Today, at the age of 40, Nikhil Gupta stands as a beacon of inspiration and resilience. He leads the Wheelchair Rugby Federation of India and continues to train diligently at the Noida Stadium in Sector 21A. His story serves as a testament to the indomitable human spirit, inspiring countless others like him to lead active and fulfilling lives despite the constraints of a wheelchair.

Gupta’s journey reached a remarkable milestone when he joined a team of national and international players for an exhibition match at the Noida Indoor Stadium. This event, held in commemoration of Spinal Cord Injury Day as part of the ongoing National Injury Prevention Week (September 1-7), was a tribute to not only Gupta’s journey but also the collective strength of individuals who have faced similar challenges.

Reflecting on his transformative journey, Gupta shared, “Initially, I felt like I had lost everything after my accident. But during therapy, I discovered this game of wheelchair rugby, which was only being played as recreation at that time. But I decided to take it further and in 2014, founded the federation and have represented India at three international tournaments.” Wheelchair rugby, characterized by its fast-paced, full-contact nature, involves two teams of four players each. These athletes use their wheelchairs to propel themselves around the court, aiming to score points by passing the ball through the opponent’s goal.

Nikhil Gupta, recognized for his exceptional speed, agility, and strength, not only excels on the field but also channels his passion for the sport into raising awareness about spinal cord injuries. “I want to inspire others who have been injured to never give up on their dreams,” Gupta declared, echoing his unwavering commitment to empowering those who face similar challenges.

The significance of this event extended beyond the confines of the Noida Indoor Stadium. While the exhibition match unfolded in the physical realm at Noida, its impact reverberated across the nation as it was live-streamed virtually in several cities, including Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata, Cuttack, Lucknow, Hyderabad, Patna, and Bhopal. This digital reach enabled a wider audience to witness the triumph of the human spirit and served as a powerful reminder of the boundless potential that resides within each individual, regardless of physical limitations.

News Mania Desk / Agnibeena Ghosh 4th September  2023