'I believe in my guide runner more than myself', says blind Indian athlete

BBC - Feb 16th, 2025

Rakshitha Raju, a blind para-athlete from a remote village in southern India, has become one of the country's top middle-distance runners, inspiring many with her journey from being labeled a 'waste' to winning gold medals at the 2018 and 2023 Asian Games. Her partnership with guide runner Rahul Balakrishna was crucial, allowing her to compete at the highest levels, including the 2024 Paralympics in Paris, where despite missing a medal, she became a role model for aspiring athletes in similar circumstances.

Simran Sharma, another Indian para-athlete, faced challenges finding a compatible guide runner but eventually teamed up with Abhay Kumar. Despite initial setbacks, they won a bronze medal in the 200m at the Paris Paralympics. However, the lack of financial support and career opportunities for guide runners remains a concern, as they play a vital role in the athletes' success. As both athletes aim for future victories, there is a growing call for better support systems for guide runners in India, highlighting the broader challenges within para-athletics in the country.

India Rakshitha Raju Simran Sharma Rahul Balakrishna Abhay Kumar Paralympics Para Athletics Guide Runners Asian Games Paralympic Committee Of India

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.8

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The story is a compelling and accurate portrayal of the challenges and achievements of visually impaired athletes in India. It effectively balances personal narratives with broader societal issues, engaging readers with timely and relevant content. While the article is clear and readable, it could benefit from greater transparency in sourcing and methodology. The story's impact is enhanced by its focus on public interest topics, but it could further influence policy discussions by incorporating more diverse perspectives and actionable insights. Overall, the article succeeds in raising awareness about the potential and challenges of para athletes, encouraging readers to consider the systemic changes needed to support their success.

Accuracy

The story is largely accurate and aligns well with verified facts. Rakshitha Raju's background, including her blindness and upbringing by her disabled grandmother, is corroborated by credible sources. Her achievements, such as winning gold medals at the 2018 and 2023 Asian Games, are also confirmed. The narrative about guide running is consistent with known practices in para athletics, ensuring precision in these details. However, specific incidents, like Simran Sharma's disqualification due to rule misunderstandings, require additional verification to confirm their accuracy. Overall, the story's factual foundation is strong, with minor areas needing further corroboration.

Balance

The article presents a balanced view of the challenges and triumphs of visually impaired athletes. It highlights both Rakshitha Raju's and Simran Sharma's journeys, providing a comprehensive perspective on their experiences. The story effectively balances the athletes' personal narratives with insights into the systemic challenges they face, such as the lack of financial support for guide runners. However, it could enhance balance by including perspectives from sports authorities or policymakers to provide a more rounded view of the support structures in place for para athletes.

Clarity

The story is well-written, with a clear and engaging narrative that effectively conveys the athletes' journeys. The language is accessible, and the structure is logical, allowing readers to easily follow the progression of events. The article maintains a neutral tone, focusing on factual reporting rather than emotional appeal. This clarity enhances comprehension and ensures that readers can easily understand the key points and implications of the story.

Source quality

The story is supported by credible sources, including direct statements from the athletes and their guides. However, it lacks explicit citations or references to external, authoritative sources like official sports bodies or independent reports. This affects the perceived reliability of the information, as readers are unable to verify the claims independently. Including more diverse and authoritative sources could enhance the story's credibility and provide a more robust foundation for its claims.

Transparency

The article provides a clear narrative of the athletes' experiences but lacks transparency in terms of sourcing and methodology. It does not disclose how information was gathered or whether there were any potential conflicts of interest. This lack of transparency may lead readers to question the impartiality of the reporting. Greater disclosure of the story's development process and the sources consulted could improve transparency and reader trust.