By Graham Thomas
The Boccia National Championships of India runs from January 8 to January 16 and 2025 will be the ninth year since its inception.
The tournament in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, features the country’s leading players and comes at a time when India is making rapid strides in the sport.
Having seen Asian neighbours such as Indonesia, Thailand and Hong Kong make such a dramatic impact at recent Paralympic Games, India – the world’s most populous country since 2022 – could be the next join them.
The progress stems from development grant funding from the IPC AGITOS fund in 2018, which was a partnership between the IPC, World Boccia and Boccia India.
Ajeya Raj – an experienced BC3 athlete who was part of the Indian team that won a record four medals at the recent World Boccia Challenger Series event in Bahrain – reflects on how the sport has grown rapidly in India and outlines how further success can be achieved.
How much did your success in the Challenger Series event in Bahrain mean to you and the rest of the Indian team?
Yes, it was very important to us because it marked the second consecutive medal for the Indian team after the Cairo 2024 World Boccia Challenger event. It was truly a matter of pride for us.
Of course, it is also very significant for me personally, as after so much effort, I was able to win an international medal—albeit a bronze—and I feel very proud of myself for this achievement.
Why do you feel it was such a significant achievement?
Achievements, no matter how big or small, are always important. Every athlete works tirelessly for their achievements, so each milestone, regardless of its size, holds significant value for us. Every single achievement matters!
Tell us about your journey within the sport of boccia? When did you start playing and what were the personal circumstances and background that led you to taking up the sport?
My boccia journey began in 2018, and at that time, I didn’t even have the proper equipment that a BC3 player should have. I was practising on a ramp that belonged to the federation, which also had a homemade ramp. It has been a challenging journey to reach this point in the game.
My coach, Jaspreet Singh Dhaliwal, has been a great inspiration for me to progress in this sport. He supported me continuously throughout my journey.
When I played in my first international tournament, I realised that there were many players like me who are connected to this game and are moving forward. Seeing all of this, along with Jaspreet Sir’s guidance, has always motivated me.
What are the aspects of the sport that you enjoy?
What I love most about this sport is that there are two of us involved: myself and the ramp operator.
When we win a game, the medal is not awarded solely to the player, but also to the ramp operator. This is a wonderful aspect of the game because, in many other sports, the hard work of family members and support staff often goes unrecognised.
In boccia, both the player and the ramp operator share in the achievement, which makes the victory even more special.
How would you describe the competitive strength, the playing and competition structures in India, and the level of popularity of boccia?
The competitive strength of boccia in India is growing steadily.
While the sport may not yet be as widely recognised as some others, we have a passionate community of players and coaches dedicated to developing the game further.
The playing structure is becoming more organised, with various training programs and competitions being held at regional and national levels.
The competition structure is improving, with increased participation in events and a focus on inclusivity for players of all abilities. Many players are emerging from this structured environment with a strong competitive spirit, eager to represent India on international platforms.
As for the popularity of boccia, it is gaining traction, particularly within the disability sports community. Through events, workshops, and success stories of athletes, more people are becoming aware of the sport.
The more exposure we get, the more interest it generates, and I believe with continued efforts, boccia can achieve greater recognition and support in India.
Overall, while there is still a long way to go, the dedication and enthusiasm within the boccia community are promising for its future in the country.
Tell us a little about India’s gold medal winner in Bahrain, Sachin Chamaria. What is he like and how good can he become?
Sachin Chamaria is an exceptional athlete and a true inspiration in the boccia community.
He has shown remarkable dedication and resilience in his journey, which culminated in his gold medal win in Bahrain.
Sachin is not just talented; he is also a hard worker who continually strives for improvement. His passion for the sport is evident in his performance, and he has a fantastic support system that encourages him to push his limits.
What about your own ambitions in the sport? How far do you feel you can go?
My ambitions in the sport are quite high. I aim to continuously improve my skills and compete at the highest levels possible.
I want to represent my country in international competitions and dream of achieving podium finishes.
I believe with dedication, hard work, and the right support, I can go very far in boccia.
My ultimate goal is to inspire others, especially those with disabilities, to pursue their passions, showcase our potential, and break barriers in the world of sports.
I feel that I have the potential to reach significant milestones, and I’m excited about the journey ahead. And I believe I will surely reach my goal.
Where do you think India sits in the sport? We have seen a lot of the Asian countries recently make a big pact at the last two Paralympic Games – Indonesia, Thailand, Hong Kong, etc – so do you think India is on course to make the same breakthrough?
India is currently in a developing phase in the sport of boccia.
While we have made significant progress, there is still a lot of work to be done to reach the level of some of the leading Asian countries like Indonesia, Thailand, and Hong Kong, especially given their recent successes at the Paralympic Games.
However, I believe that with the right support and resources, as well as increased awareness and participation in the sport, India can certainly make substantial strides.
The potential is there, and the talent among players is growing. If we can continue to invest in training programs and provide platforms for competitive play, I am optimistic that India can achieve a breakthrough in boccia in the near future.
And you can see evidence of that in the fact that India won medals in last two tournaments.
What needs to happen for India to take that step?
For India to take that step in advancing in boccia, several key factors need to be addressed:
Increased awareness and promotion: There needs to be greater awareness about boccia and its potential, not just among athletes but also among the general public and sporting bodies. Promotional campaigns can help attract more players and inspire interest in the sport.
Access to equipment and facilities: Providing proper equipment and training facilities for athletes is crucial. This includes access to professional-grade ramps and other necessary tools that can enhance their training and performance.
Support and funding: Government and private sector support through funding, sponsorships, and resources are essential for developing talent. More financial backing can help in organising training programs, competitions, and exposure trips for athletes.
Coaching and training programs: Establishing structured coaching programs with experienced trainers can significantly impact athlete development. This infrastructure will help nurture talent from grassroots to elite levels.
Increased participation in competitions: Encouraging more athletes to participate in regional, national, and international competitions can help raise the standard of play. Exposure to higher levels of competition can motivate players and provide valuable experience.
Community and institutional support: Building a supportive community around athletes, including family, schools, and local organisations, can create a positive environment for growth and encourage more individuals to take up the sport.
Focus on Inclusion: Promoting inclusivity in sports for differently-abled players can bring in more diverse talent. Programs to engage disabled athletes can broaden the talent pool and enhance competition.
By focusing on these areas, India can not only improve its standing in boccia but also in various sports on the international stage.
We read on you Instagram page that you are India’s first scuba diver with a higher level of disability, which sounds amazing! Tell us a little about that experience and your love of other sports besides boccia.
Firstly, I would like to thank you for watching my Instagram page and liking. Yes, I am proud to say that I am India’s first scuba diver with a high disability after a spinal cord injury as a quadriplegic.
The experience was truly incredible and transformative. Being underwater gave me a sense of freedom that I hadn’t experienced before.
It’s a unique feeling to be surrounded by vibrant marine life and to explore an entirely different world.
Apart from boccia, I have a passion for other sports as well. I enjoy adaptive sports like marathon with my motorised wheelchair and also some adventure sports like para-motoring, as they not only help me stay fit but also bring a sense of joy and accomplishment.
Engaging in these activities has taught me resilience and has reinforced my belief that limits exist only in our minds.
Each sport offers its own set of challenges and rewards, and I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to pursue them.
