Polio Survivor Wins National Silver in Para Powerlifting

When Mayabhai Bhammar woke up the morning after a fever at age six, his legs wouldn't move. A polio diagnosis changed everything for the young boy from Bhavnagar, Gujarat.

His family didn't know where to turn until they discovered a residential school for children with disabilities in Veraval. Maya spent years away from home, but the free education gave him opportunities his farming family couldn't afford.

Fast forward to today, and the 26-year-old just won silver at the 23rd Senior National Para Powerlifting Championship. He's lifting more than twice his body weight at 115 kg, competing in the 41-49 kg category.

Maya's journey to the podium started in 2019 at the Blind People's Association in Ahmedabad, where he still lives and teaches design and desktop publishing to other students. The organization became his second family, providing training facilities and covering competition expenses.

His training regimen is intense: two hours every morning working on biceps, triceps, and shoulder strength. During the COVID lockdown when gyms closed, he climbed trees for pull-ups and made homemade dumbbells from cement and bricks.

But here's the twist that makes Maya's story even more remarkable. Every evening from 7 to 10 pm, he delivers food for Zomato on a customized battery-operated scooter that holds his wheelchair. He was Ahmedabad's first disabled delivery partner when he started in 2021.

That Rs 5,000 monthly income pays for the strict diet his sport demands. He skips all sweets and fried foods, sticking to sprouts, fruits, vegetables, and paneer to maintain his weight category.

Why This Inspires

Maya doesn't see obstacles where others might. When asked about powerlifting with a disability, he simply says, "If others can do it, why not me? I cannot use my legs, but my arms and shoulders are fine."

His customers at Zomato have embraced his story too. He calls ahead to explain his situation, and most happily come downstairs to meet him. It's a small act of cooperation that helps fuel big dreams.

The bronze medal at the 2023 Khelo India Para Games was just the beginning. Maya has claimed silver three consecutive times at the Gujarat State Para Powerlifting Championship before his recent national success.

His goal remains crystal clear: "I want to win a gold for India. I am working hard towards that goal."

From a boy who couldn't leave his house for four years to a teacher, delivery partner, and national athlete, Maya proves that limitation is often just a starting point for something extraordinary.