Pranav Surma, a para-athlete from Faridabad, has scripted history on the sports field through sheer determination and relentless hard work. He has brought immense pride to the country by securing two gold medals at the Asian Games. A tragic accident at the age of 16 had completely altered the course of his life, but he refused to give up and overcame every obstacle to reach this remarkable milestone.
A Life-Changing Accident and Years of Struggle
In 2011, an accident turned Pranav Surma's normal life upside down, resulting in severe injuries to his spine and right leg. At just 16 years old, he was told by doctors that he might never walk again and would have to spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair. That period was exceptionally difficult for Pranav and his entire family, filled with uncertainty about the future, but he refused to let despair dictate his life.
From Education to the World of Sports
Refusing to surrender to his circumstances, Pranav Surma gradually got his life back on track by completing his education. He subsequently took up a job before stepping into the world of sports to channel his inner athlete. He officially began his para-athletics journey in 2018, participating in state and national level competitions, although the COVID-19 pandemic caused a brief interruption in his career. In 2022, he resumed rigorous training under the guidance of coach Naval.
Historic Performances on the International Stage
Under his coach's mentorship, Pranav Surma's athletic journey gained the right momentum. In 2023, he participated in the Asian Games for the first time and won a gold medal in club throw. Following that, he represented the nation at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, securing a silver medal in the same event. Most recently, clinching two gold medals at the Asian Games stands out as one of the greatest achievements of his career. During the event, he threw 32.87 meters in the club throw F-51 event to set a new games record and recorded an 11.66-meter performance in the discus throw to set an Asian record and claim the gold.
The Importance of Mental Toughness
Participating in major international tournaments requires immense mental and emotional preparation alongside physical strength. Pranav noted that stepping onto a grand stage for the first time brings a mix of excitement and anxiety about performance expectations. To cope with this pressure, he focused on visualizing positive outcomes and maintaining an optimistic mindset. With these two gold medals now under his belt, his primary focus is on preparing for the upcoming World Championships and the Paralympics.
Family Support and His Father's Dedication
Behind this monumental success is the unwavering support of Pranav Surma's family and his father, Sanjeev Sharma. Sanjeev expressed immense pride in his son's achievements, noting that people now recognize him as Pranav's father, which is a matter of great honor. His father stood by him during training sessions and meticulously took care of his dietary needs, ensuring he preferred home-cooked meals over outside food. Hearing the national anthem play abroad when his son wins a medal is an indescribable feeling for the family.
Stepping Up Despite Personal Tragedy
During the preparations for the tournament, the family suffered a profound loss when Pranav's grandfather passed away. Since Pranav shared a very close bond with his grandfather, the incident left him deeply heartbroken and posed a tough time for the household. Despite this emotional turmoil, Pranav made the resolute decision to participate in the competition. His family is overjoyed with his achievements, having brought honor to Faridabad, Haryana, and the entire nation.
Meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Pranav has had the privilege of meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi twice. He emphasized that the support and encouragement provided by the government to athletes play a crucial role in their success, and he expressed hope for another meeting following this milestone. His journey serves as a powerful reminder that perseverance and a positive attitude can transform adversity into triumph.
