Parathlete Himanshu Nandal Aims At 2028 Paralympics: Know His Story

"Whatever happened during the Olympic selection is past. The 2026 Asian Para Games is all I aim for now. I am confident of winning three to four medals," said Himanshu Nandal, a 20-year-old parathlete who has been 100% visually impaired since birth due to a failed optical nerve. Himanshu hails from Rohtak, Haryana. After winning several gold medals in national competitions, he made a big move in 2022, participating in the Asian Para Games in Hangzhou.

His journey into sports is a testament to his grit and passion to make a big name. "As a kid, I knew how to save myself from drowning, but I did not know professional swimming. It was only in 2021 that my professional training in swimming began. Before that, I was a judo player," he said. Himanshu further elaborated on the reason behind the switch, saying, "Initially, when I tried to get admission in Delhi University (DU), they did not accept my achievements in judo as the sport wasn’t under a federation."

The road to the Paralympics has not been without its hurdles. The Indian Paralympic Committee's failure to meet the required category during the selection process was a significant setback. Despite this, Himanshu remains undeterred, channeling his energy into rigorous training. "I train 8 to 10 sessions per week, and also have three on-ground sessions," he explains. This intense regimen is a reflection of his dedication to achieving his goals.

His drive is not just limited to training but extends to his daily life, including his diet. “My diet isn’t anything special, but I do avoid a lot of things. I’ve eaten only four ice creams since the start of 2024. The key is to manage your cravings,” he reveals. This disciplined approach is indicative of his commitment to maintaining peak performance.

In addition to navigating these institutional challenges, Himanshu also talked about barriers in accessing sports schemes provided by the Indian government. "There are various schemes in place, but their reach is not widespread. I am not getting the benefits of these schemes," he notes. The 20-year-old added that he believes it is necessary for the stories of parathletes to reach smaller towns and cities. "It will inspire them," he said.

Himanshu recently graduated in Political Science from Delhi University. His interest in sports was sparked by his family—his father and uncle, both athletes. “My interest in sports came from my father and uncle who are both players. I started playing in 7th grade,” he recounted. Looking ahead, Himanshu is focused on his future goals, which include competing in the 2026 Asian Para Games in Japan and aiming for the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles.