Himalaya Harbinger, Rudrapur Bureau
22 year old para-athlete Durgadutt Ruwali, hailing from the rural backdrop of Harishtal in Okhalkanda tehsil, Nainital district, Uttarakhand, embodies the essence of perseverance and grit. Despite losing his left hand in a childhood accident, Ruwali’s spirit has propelled him towards excellence in athletics, aiming to represent his nation at the Paralympics.
Ruwali’s journey began with humble origins, where his farmer father, Trilokchandra Ruwali, and supportive family rallied behind his aspirations. The absence of a left hand posed a formidable challenge, but it was met with unwavering determination and familial encouragement. Having honed his skills under the tutelage of coach Harish Singh at the Manoj Sarkar Sports Stadium in US Nagar district headquarters, Rudrapur, Ruwali’s dedication has seen him clinch numerous accolades at state and national levels. His recent triumphs include securing seven gold medals in the 1500-meter race at the State Championship and a commendable fifth position in the National Championship held in Orissa in January this year.
Reflecting on his journey, Ruwali credits Para Olympian Manoj Sarkar for instilling belief and motivation. “Manoj’s inspirational guidance reignited my passion for athletics, propelling me towards success,” Ruwali remarked.
His pursuit of excellence has not gone unnoticed, as Ruwali was bestowed with the prestigious Uttarakhand State Award by Cabinet Minister Sudh Uniyal in Dehradun. Looking ahead, Ruwali is fervently preparing for the upcoming Para Olympic trials scheduled in New Delhi in July. “My dream is to clinch a medal for my country and state,” he said.
Amidst his athletic endeavors, Ruwali has also pursued academic excellence, completing his graduation alongside rigorous training, showcasing his multidimensional capabilities. Ruwali said, “My mother, Radha Devi, and three elder brothers, Navinchand, Ghanshyam, and Yogendra, stand as pillars of support, reinforcing my resolve to overcome obstacles and realize my dreams”.
