India, Aug. 14 -- In India, the journey of a para-athlete begins long before they set foot on a track, court, or field - and it's a journey often paved with obstacles that have nothing to do with sport. Their first battle is not against an opponent, but against deep-seated societal prejudice, family skepticism and systemic neglect

In India, the journey of a para-athlete begins long before they step onto a track, court, or field. Unfortunately, it often begins with hurdles that have nothing to do with sport itself. For many, whether they are living with a physical disability, visual impairment, or intellectual challenge, the first battle is against deeply rooted prejudice. Families may brand them a curse, society dismisses them as a burde...