“Success is not about reaching the goal itself. It’s about who we become in the process.”
Getting over challenges is not child’s play. Even the best ones give up. Where we give up, before small challenges, this man’s passion has proved that success bows down to those who face challenges. He is Kamalkant Nayak – our record-breaking para-athlete.
Record-breaking records of Kamalakant Nayak
Kamalakant Nayak holds a Guinness world record for completing 215.4 km in 24 hours in a manual wheelchair. He has also created records in the Limca Book of Record and the India Book of Record.
Kamalakant lives in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. In 2014, 22-year-old Kamal’s lower body got paralysed in an injury while playing volleyball. But he didn’t let the sportsman within him give up. Leaving behind his disability he got his name registered in world records
Kamal’s life after accident
For a year, he was lying on a bed inside one room. He’d only see his sister and mother, and not anyone else. So he always got thought of committing suicide. Seeing Kamal losing hope, his sister came forward and supported him in his most challenging phase of life. His sister’s motivation make Kamal’s intentions stronger.
There was no looking back for him thereafter. He got over the challenges one after the other. But the story had a record-breaking twist. While going from his rehab centre to Jagannath Temple, Kamal’s car broke down. He kept riding his wheelchair all night and completed 80 km. In between the applause, Kamal got the idea of making a world record. And then he started preparing in 2018.
Riding the wheelchair continuously for 24 hours and making the world record of more than 200 km is not easy. Keeping aside all his worries, Kamal broke the record of Portugal’s Mario Trindade for 182.4 km and made his name in the Guinness Book of World Records.
But he didn’t stop there. He became a coach for close to 2500 at his rehab. He trained them and helped them to lead a completely financially and physically independent life. He is now getting ready for the Paralympics too.
In conclusion, being a hero despite disabilities is an admirable feat that should be celebrated and recognized. Disability does not define a person’s ability to be brave, determined, and selfless. Instead, it can serve as a platform to showcase strength, resilience, and courage. As a society, we must continue to value and uplift the contributions of all individuals, including those with disabilities, and celebrate their heroism in all its forms.
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