Rahul Ramugade: The Man Walking on Wheelchair

Rahul Ramugade is an athlete from Mumbai. He plays wheelchair cricket and has overcome many challenges. Polio affected his legs, but his love for cricket never faded. In India, cricket is a passion for many. As a child, Rahul didn’t let his disability stop him. He played cricket on a skateboard. Today, he is a member of the Indian Wheelchair Cricket Team. Since 2017, he has also captained the Mumbai Wheelchair Cricket Team.

A Versatile Athlete

Rahul is not just a cricketer. He is also a successful para-swimmer. He began swimming at a school for physically challenged children. Although the pools were not accessible, and financial support was lacking, Rahul continued to practice. He has competed in para-swimming events since 2015. His hard work earned him 8 Gold, 2 Silver, and 5 Bronze medals.

An Adventurer at Heart

Rahul has a passion for adventure sports. Traveling in India can be hard for people with disabilities due to limited accessibility. To maintain his independence, Rahul drives a hand-controlled car. He has driven over 80,000 kilometers so far. Every day, he also uses a skateboard to get around.

Rahul enjoys participating in marathons. In 2017-18, he completed a 5 km marathon in Mumbai in 50 minutes. He also finished a 6 km marathon in Pune in 45 minutes, both using his wheelchair. Besides marathons, Rahul plays wheelchair tennis and badminton. He has tried wall climbing in Mumbai and para-motoring in Chandigarh. Additionally, he went scuba diving in the Andaman Islands. Recently, Rahul completed scuba diving training with instructors from the Indian Armed Forces in Pondicherry. His next goal is skydiving.

Founder of Wheelchair Sports Association Mumbai

In March 2020, Rahul and his friends started the Wheelchair Sports Association Mumbai. Their goal is to raise awareness and support for wheelchair sports. The association helps athletes with disabilities by providing facilities, equipment, and travel support. Members compete in various sports, such as wheelchair cricket, basketball, handball, racing, tennis, badminton, para powerlifting, and para swimming.

Although the association lacks government support, it thrives on donations. It receives funds from individuals, NGOs, and corporate sponsors. The association is registered under the Societies Act of 1860 in Mumbai. Donations to the association are tax-exempt under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act. It is also registered with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs for CSR projects.

Media Recognition

Rahul’s journey has received widespread media attention. He has been interviewed by Doordarshan Sahyadri Channel and leading Marathi news channels like ABP Maza and Zee 24 Taas. In these interviews, Rahul shared his experiences in swimming and cricket. His story has inspired many people and encouraged disabled youth across Maharashtra.

Rahul’s achievements have been featured in several Marathi newspapers, such as Maharashtra Times, Lokmat, and Pudhari. Disha Magazine, a popular Zee Group publication, has also covered his story. Additionally, the Times Group’s Indiatimes website highlighted his accomplishments. Rahul has been interviewed on All India Radio and featured on the Mumbai Indians YouTube channel.

Recently, Rahul launched his own YouTube channel called “Rahul On Wheels.” On this platform, he promotes wheelchair accessibility, disability awareness, and inclusion.

Rahul’s Message

“As a person with disabilities, we don’t need sympathy. We need inclusion and equal opportunities. With hard work and talent, we can achieve anything.”