Rajkot Youth Overcomes Accident, Pursues Gold Medal Dream with Artificial Leg, 2-Hour Gym Workout & Daily Badminton Practice

“One should never fear the waves, for the boat does not reach the shore by avoiding them. Those who try never face defeat.” This poem by the famous Hindi poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan has been meaningfully reflected in the life of Bhavin Kumar Gohel, a differently-abled youth from Rajkot. 

Despite losing one leg in an accident five years ago, Bhavin has shown immense determination by participating in marathons with an artificial leg and excelling in badminton at national and international levels. His dream is to win a gold medal for India at the Para Olympics.

Training daily for two hours at the indoor stadium of Saurashtra University, this young man also works eight hours a day and spends another two hours in the gym. Despite his family’s financial struggles, with his parents working in agriculture, Bhavin completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and now works as a receptionist. 

He has already conquered the 5000 steps of Girnar and climbed the Pavagadh mountain twice with his artificial leg. Read on to learn more about this young man’s inspiring story in his own words…

“I Had to Amputate My Leg Due to Nerve Damage in My Left Leg”

In an interview with Source, Bhavin Kumar Faljibhai Gohel shared the struggles he has faced in his life. He said, “I am from the Kambhat district. Five years ago, while I was sitting on a bike in the village, two oxen, fighting with each other, fell on me, causing serious injuries. I was rushed to the hospital where my leg and nerves were operated on. 

Due to nerve damage in my left leg, I had to amputate it. After the surgery, my relatives and friends, who came to visit me, would often tell me that I would never be able to do anything in life now and that I would have to live a life confined to a cot.”

“Started Helping My Father with Farming Using an Artificial Leg”

Bhavin shared, “I decided that I would prove all those wrong who doubted me. Even though I didn’t have a leg, I could still do everything. I found an advertisement online under the ‘GET BACK’ program, through which I received an artificial leg for free. I was also trained on how to walk with the artificial leg. 

After that, I started helping my father with farming tasks like watering the fields and applying fertilizers, all of which I could do easily with the artificial leg. Eventually, I also resumed my studies and began walking 3 kilometers every day to reach college.”

“I Couldn’t Bear to See My Parents Serving Me, So I Started Working”

Bhavin reflected, “During the time when I should have been taking care of my parents, they were the ones serving me, and I couldn’t bear to see that. So, I started working at the GET BACK company in Ahmedabad. Along with that, I also began participating in sports activities, as I had previously trained for the army. 

When I had both of my legs, I had received certificates in 400-meter sprints, high jump, and javelin throw at the Khel Mahakumbh. After that, I moved to Rajkot. Here, I began working and also started going to the gym. The first time I went to the gym, I could barely do 5 push-ups, but within six months, I was doing 100 push-ups every day. I also started weightlifting and calisthenics activities.”

“Started Badminton Training After My Mentor’s Advice”

Bhavin shared, “One day, my mentor saw me playing badminton in the society. She told me that I played well and advised me to start coaching under a professional trainer. After that, I got in touch with Coach Chintan Rawal at Saurashtra University, and that’s when I began my training here. 

Over the past six months, I have been receiving training on various aspects, such as how to use footwork with my artificial leg, how to move forward and backward, and how to grip the racket for playing badminton.”

“My Dream is to Run in a Marathon”

Bhavin shared his dreams, saying, “My dream is to run in a marathon and to represent India in badminton at the Para Olympics, winning a gold medal. To run a marathon, I need an advanced artificial leg with a U-shaped carbon plate, which will allow me to run. 

Although I don’t have such a leg right now, if someone could donate one to me, I would use it to practice running and participate in a marathon.”

“I Have Climbed Pavagadh and Girnar Mountains”

Bhavin also shared, “I have completed my Bachelor of Arts with English. My father, Faljibhai, and my mother, Leelaben, are both involved in farming. At Saurashtra University, I practice badminton for two hours every day, cycling six kilometers to reach the university. 

In addition, I spend two hours in the gym and work for eight hours. While I was in the hospital, my grandfather told me that even though I had lost one leg, I should climb Pavagadh and Junagadh Girnar mountains. Motivated by his words, I have climbed Pavagadh mountain twice and once ascended the 5000 steps of Girnar in one hour.”

“I Couldn’t Believe His Words at First: Coach”

Coach Chintan Rawal shared, “About six months ago, a young man named Bhavin Kumar Gohel came to me and said he wanted to learn badminton and win a gold medal for India at the Olympics. At that time, I couldn’t believe his words because the young man had lost one leg and was going to practice with an artificial leg. 

Badminton practice is very challenging, but after a few days, as this young man kept coming regularly, I realized that he truly had the spark, and I knew I had to coach him. Thanks to the efforts of Saurashtra University’s Vice Chancellor Dr. Kamal Dodia, Registrar Dr. Ramesh Parmar, and Director of Physical Education Dr. Harish Raba, the university started providing him free practice sessions. The university is also covering the expenses, including shuttlecocks, for his badminton training. We are doing everything we can to help this young man achieve his dream.”