This blind judoka from Bhopal is ready to stun the world with her throws

21-year-old Poonam Sharma is raring to show her best throws when she represents India at the Judo World Cup to be held in Antalya, Turkey.

Poonam will contest in the 52-kg weight category at the tournament. The event is from 21 to 26 April.

Poonam, who is in Turkey, is determined to make a name for herself and for India.

Poonam has fought hard and long to get to this point. The changing point came after she met judo coach Bittu Sharma Bhatele, who runs an academy for blind judokas in Bhopal.

Bhatele’s judo academy for the blind is the first of its kind in Bhopal.

For Poonam, the challenges were many. Her father had a paralysis attack two years ago. This was a financial and emotional setback for the family. Seeing Poonam’s commitment, her brother also took up judo lessons.

Even though he did not win a medal, Poonam went on to win a silver at the national event. Her coach then decided to teach Poonam and her brother for free.

Now this young woman is waiting to seize the opportunity to show her talent to the world.

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