Nidhi Baipotu, a 14-year-old girl from Patapatnam in Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh, has become a symbol of courage, determination, and inspiration. Despite being diagnosed with bone cancer at the tender age of seven, Nidhi overcame her physical challenges and went on to excel in multiple sports, including rifle shooting, swimming, chess, running, and paragliding.
Her journey of resilience began with a life-altering diagnosis. Nidhi’s mother, Jyothi, recalls the painful moment when doctors confirmed her daughter’s condition and the difficult decision to amputate her leg. The family traveled to Mumbai for intensive treatment and later relocated to Russia to focus on Nidhi’s recovery.
In Russia, Nidhi refused to let her disability define her. Instead, she channeled her frustration and anger into sports, turning it into a source of motivation. “I refused to let my disability hold me back. Instead, I used it as fuel to push forward and excel,” Nidhi shared. Her perseverance paid off as she won gold medals in swimming, running, and chess, as well as a bronze in rifle shooting.
In 2019, the Baipotu family returned to India, moving to Visakhapatnam to focus on Nidhi’s education. Although the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic slowed her athletic pursuits, Nidhi bounced back in 2023 with even more determination. In March, she competed in the Paralympics held in Gwalior, where she earned two silver medals, adding to her growing list of accomplishments.
Despite her achievements, Nidhi remains focused on her future. With dreams of becoming a lawyer, she is committed to balancing her love for sports with her academic pursuits. “I want to be a successful lawyer and continue my journey in sports,” she emphasized, determined to make her mark in both fields.
Nidhi’s next challenge is just around the corner—she is currently preparing for a paragliding competition in Goa next month, where she hopes to soar even higher.
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