Two Chandigarh Spinal Rehab para-athletes shine Internationally: Two para-athletes from Chandigarh Spinal Rehab have achieved remarkable success at recent international sporting events, marking a significant milestone in the Centre’s mission of empowerment and rehabilitation.
As a quadriplegic athlete, Anjali Thakur (25) and her sister Priyanka Thakur have made history by winning the first-ever medal for the Boccia Federation that too a Gold Medal for India at the World Boccia Challenger, 2024 Cairo, Egypt. A shining star in Para Table Tennis, Vidya Kumari (34) secured a silver medal in the mixed doubles Class 4 category at the International Table Tennis Federation Factor 40 (ITTFA) Championship in Pattaya, Thailand, after a hard-fought victory over Singapore.
In 2018, a promising young woman from Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, Anjali, with dreams of joining the military, faced a devastating setback. Following a serious accident, she was diagnosed with a C4-C5 level injury, forever altering her life. For four years, Anjali relied on her family for support, her dreams seemingly dashed. However, in 2022, her journey took a turn when she arrived at the Chandigarh Spinal Rehab Centre. Over three months of intensive rehabilitation, Anjali not only found physical healing but also a newfound perspective.
Emerging from the shadows of despair, Anjali set her sights on a different path – sports. During her rehabilitation programme, she discovered Boccia, a sport she excelled in beyond expectations. Despite her quadriplegia, Anjali trained rigorously under the expert guidance provided by our coaches at the Rehab. Her dedication to mastering the sport of Boccia, a precision ball sport, reflects her unyielding spirit and the empowering environment of Chandigarh Spinal Rehab. Boccia is a precision ball sport similar to bocce, designed for athletes with severe physical disabilities and requiring strategic skill and accuracy.
Vidya Kumari a young girl hailing from a small village in Samastipur, Bihar, faced a devastating turn of events 16 years ago when she fell from a bridge while cycling home from school, resulting in a spinal cord injury that shattered her dreams. Confined to the confines of her home for 11 years, she battled with depression, contemplating the end of her life.
However, a glimmer of hope emerged when she was taken to Chandigarh Spinal Rehab for treatment. Undergoing surgery and receiving top-notch, comprehensive rehabilitation, Vidya underwent a remarkable transformation. Today, she lives a life filled with dignity, purpose, and fulfillment within the campus walls.
She has excelled as both a National and International Para Table Tennis Player, clinching numerous gold, silver, and bronze medals at prestigious championships. Additionally, she has broken barriers as India’s first Swiggy delivery girl on wheels, showcasing her determination to defy limitations and forge her path forward. Her goal is to represent India in the Olympics, and her perseverance is a testament to her commitment to achieving this dream.
While Anjali Thakur is aiming big for the Asian Para-games to be held at Japan in 2026, she would also be participating in the Para Olympics in 2028. Vidya would be going for National championship in August to be held in Indore and Para Open Championship to be held at Saudi Arabia in October.
Since inauguration Chandigarh Spinal Rehab has laid a lot of emphasis on para sports and has encouraged the persons with spinal cord injuries in the field of para sports and has been training them to excel in this field.
Nicky P Kaur-Founder & CEO of Chandigarh Spinal Rehab, said, “It is a matter of great pride for me and our entire team at Chandigarh Spinal Rehab to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our para-athletes. Anjali and Vidya who have excelled in the sport of their choice and capability despite their daunting challenges and have brought acclaim to our institute and our country. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to Bridgestone Pvt. Ltd for their support towards the training and sporting careers of all the para-athletes at Chandigarh Spinal Rehab.”
Anjali’s Previous Achievements
Gold Medal in Individual – National Boccia Championship, Delhi, 2023.
Silver Medal in Pair – National Boccia Championship, Delhi, 2023.
Gold Medal in Individual- National Boccia Championship, Indore, 2024
Gold Medal in Pair- National Boccia Championship, Indore, 2024
Participated in the Asian Games 2023
Participated in Hong Kong International Championship in December 2023.
National Ranking: 1
International Ranking: 43
Vidya Kumari’s Previous Achievements
Bronze Medal – ITTF Para Table Tennis Championship, Riyadh, 2023.
Silver Medal – UTT Para National Ranking Table Tennis Championship, Indore, 2023.
Silver Medal – Khelo India Championship December, 2023.
Silver Medal in Singles- UTT Para Table Tennis National Championship 2023-24
Silver Medal in mixed Doubles – UTT Para Table Tennis National Championship 2023-24
Gold Medal in Women’s Doubles- UTT Para Table Tennis National Championship 2023-24
National Ranking: 2
International Ranking: Active player
