Born with partial blindness, Saurabh started his sporting career at the National Drishti Divyangjan Empowerment Institute in Dehradun, where coach Naresh Singh Nayal guided him. Though initially interested in football and cricket, it was his coach who introduced him to running, a change that would ultimately shape his athletic path career.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIn 2021, I competed in my first Para Nationals in Bengaluru and finished among the top five. The next year, I won my first medal in the 5000m in Odisha. In 2024, I travelled to Switzerland for my first international event and won two gold medals there. That\u2019s when I realised how far this journey could go,\u201d said the 20-year-old, who claimed two gold medals at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2024 in Switzerland.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Saurabh has represented India in the 1500m and 5000m T12 events at international competitions in Tunisia and India. He has also won medals at both editions of the Khelo India Para Games in 2023 and 2025. Currently, he trains at the SAI Centre in Gandhinagar under Naresh Sharma.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe biggest challenge for a visually impaired runner is finding a guide, and the expenses are often double,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019m fortunate that in my category I can run independently. But I\u2019ve also guided other runners at the Blind National Championship in 2022, and I know how much trust and practice it takes.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cAt the SAI Centre, we have access to good coaching, nutrition, and facilities. It allows us to focus completely on performance and international preparation,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Like many para-athletes, his journey has been defined as much by perseverance as by patience. \u201cIn the beginning, my family didn\u2019t understand sports. They would ask, what kind of game is this? But as they saw me compete and win, they became my biggest support system,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
This November, Saurabh will join thousands of runners to celebrate fitness and national pride at the Adani Ahmedabad Marathon. Since it began, the event has supported the #Run4OurSoldiers cause, honouring India\u2019s armed forces. It has become one of the country\u2019s biggest inclusive races, bringing together civilians and members of the Indian Armed Forces to run in unity and pride for the nation. \u201cThe best part about this marathon is that it\u2019s inclusive. My childhood dream was to join the army, but because of my visual impairment, I couldn\u2019t. Running in a race that celebrates our soldiers feels very special. It\u2019s a way to contribute in my own way,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Like many para-athletes, his journey has been defined as much by perseverance as by patience. \u201cIn the beginning, my family didn\u2019t understand sports. They would ask, what kind of game is this? But as they saw me compete and win, they became my biggest support system,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The ninth edition of the Adani Ahmedabad Marathon is scheduled for November 30.<\/p>\r\n\r\n