Defying Odds and Defining Strength
“It is not the disability that defines you; it’s how you deal with the challenges the disability presents you with.” This quote by Jim Abbott, the legendary one-handed baseball player, mirrors the life of Rahul Ramugade, a trailblazer from Mumbai who has turned his challenges into stepping stones. A national para-swimmer, captain of the Mumbai Wheelchair Cricket Team, a player for the Indian Wheelchair Cricket Team, and an adventure sports enthusiast, Rahul’s story is one of unyielding resilience and a testament to the power of determination. Despite being affected by polio in both legs, Rahul has redefined what it means to break barriers and thrive against all odds.
From Polio to Pride
Rahul’s journey began in a middle-class Maharashtrian family in Mumbai. At just one year old, his legs were paralyzed by polio. Despite the setback, his parents ensured he received timely treatments and therapy. While these efforts couldn’t restore his mobility, they built his resilience. His education began at SEC Day School in Santacruz, a school for physically challenged children, where he was introduced to swimming—a sport that would later bring him state-level recognition. Later, he joined BPM High School in Khar, where his teachers ensured he had access to an inclusive education, inspiring his belief that support and opportunity can change lives.
A Cricketing Crusader
In a cricket-obsessed nation like India, Rahul found his love for the game early on, playing cricket on a skateboard as a child. Years later, this passion turned into a serious pursuit when he joined the Indian Wheelchair Cricket Team in 2017. As the captain of the Mumbai Wheelchair Cricket Team, he has led his squad to multiple victories in domestic tournaments. Internationally, Rahul has represented India in events such as the Wheelchair Cricket Asia Cup 2019, where the team finished as runners-up.
From securing wins at the Indian Wheelchair Premier League to clinching the Sardar Patel Unity Cup in 2022, Rahul’s cricketing journey is marked by numerous accolades. “Cricket isn’t just a sport for me—it’s my passion, my purpose, and my platform to inspire others,” says Rahul.
Making Waves in Swimming
Rahul’s talents are not confined to cricket alone. As a para-swimmer, he has earned 15 state-level medals, including eight golds. His swimming career began when he was denied entry to a local pool due to his disability—a rejection that only strengthened his resolve. “That denial became my fuel,” Rahul recalls. Today, he stands as a champion who has not only competed but excelled in state and national championships, proving that no barrier is insurmountable.
Adventures Beyond Boundaries
Rahul’s adventurous spirit has taken him beyond the confines of conventional sports. He has participated in para-motoring events in Chandigarh, completed marathons in Mumbai and Pune on his wheelchair, and explored scuba diving in the Andaman Islands. Recently, he trained under ex-special forces scuba instructors in Pondicherry and now has skydiving on his bucket list. “Adventure sports remind me that limitations exist only in the mind,” he says, exemplifying his unrelenting zest for life.
Empowering Others: Founder of Wheelchair Sports Association Mumbai
In 2020, Rahul co-founded the Wheelchair Sports Association Mumbai to create awareness about sports for people with disabilities and to support athletes in their journey. The association provides resources for training, equipment, and travel, enabling players to represent their state and country in wheelchair cricket, basketball, handball, and more. “Our work is powered by voluntary donors and CSR initiatives, as government support remains a distant dream,” Rahul explains.
Challenges with Recognition
Despite his success, Rahul and many like him face a lack of institutional support. While the BCCI announced a Differently-Abled Cricket Committee in 2021, initiatives like wheelchair cricket are yet to be integrated into mainstream tournaments. “Players like us need tournaments similar to the Ranji Trophy or Vijay Hazare Trophy to gain recognition and grow the sport,” Rahul emphasizes. His advocacy for the formation of a Differently-Abled Cricket Committee within the Mumbai Cricket Association is ongoing but met with silence—a reflection of the struggles that differently-abled athletes face in India.
A Beacon of Inspiration
Rahul’s contributions have earned him numerous awards, including the “Mumbai Mayor Award” for para-swimming, the “Powerful Personality of the Year” award for excellence in sports, and the “Sports Nasha Young Sports Person Award.” He has also served as a brand promoter for initiatives like Enable Travel, Easy Move, and Accessibility Redefined, furthering his advocacy for accessibility and inclusion.
Through his YouTube channel, Rahul On Wheels, he shares his journey and promotes awareness about disability, accessibility, and inclusion. His story has been widely covered by media outlets like Doordarshan, ABP Majha, and IndiaTimes, inspiring countless individuals to embrace their abilities and strive for success.
A Message to Society
Rahul’s message is simple yet profound: “As persons with disabilities, we don’t need sympathy; we need inclusion and equal opportunities. With hard work and talent, we can achieve anything.”