IIT Roorkee Para Athlete Turns Struggles into Strengths, Inspires Generations A Journey from Campus Pool to World Para Swimming Championship
Roorkee, Uttarakhand, Jan 09: Defying odds, breaking barriers, and inspiring generations, Saurav Kumar’s recent B.Tech graduate journey in Engineering Physics from the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee) is a story of courage, resilience, and hope. Living with a lower-limb disability since childhood, Saurav has turned challenges into opportunities, proving that the body does not define disability, but the mind.
Saurav’s tryst with para sports began in 2024, when a campus event he organised brought national heroes, including Paralympians Md. Shams Aalam and Pramod Bhagat to IIT Roorkee. Inspired by their stories, and even as he coped with the loss of his mother to cancer, he resolved to learn swimming, a sport he had never tried before. Despite initial hesitation from coaches and authorities, Saurav’s determination prevailed.
Within just three months of entering competitive swimming, he won two silver medals at the state level and secured a top-10 position at the National Para Swimming Championships in 2024. Continuing his progress, on 21st and 22nd September 2025, he participated in both the state and district competitions, winning two gold medals at the state level and two gold medals at the district level. He further strengthened his national standing by securing 4th position at the National Championship on 15th November 2025, competing among 17 participants in the 100m butterfly stroke, with a timing of 2 minutes and 43 seconds.
Today, he can swim up to 5 km in a single session and is preparing to represent India and institute in upcoming Asian game and Khelo India, he is also selected the World Para Swimming Championship Series in Italy on March 12, 2026, with full sponsorship and support from IIT Roorkee.
Beyond the pool, Saurav is also the Institute Champion in Snooker (2025), co-founder of IRIS Eco-Tech, a deep-tech startup incubated at IIT Roorkee’s TIDES, and an innovator working on prosthetic leg technology. For his exceptional contributions, he was honoured with the Professional Development and Innovation Award 2025 and the Hari Krishna Mittal Leadership Award 2025.
Speaking on his journey, Prof. Kamal Kishore Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee, said,
“Saurav’s story is not just about medals or achievements, it is about courage, determination, and the will to rise above challenges. At IIT Roorkee, we are proud to support his journey and remain committed to creating an inclusive ecosystem where every student, irrespective of ability, can thrive and chase their dreams.”
Reflecting on his own journey, Saurav Kumar said,
“You don’t need a perfect body to chase your dreams; what you need is belief, determination, and the courage to begin. If I can do it, so can every student who dares to dream, no matter the challenges. I carry with me the strength of my family, my mentors, and my Institute, and I hope my journey inspires others never to give up.”
Saurav’s story highlights the spirit of inclusivity and resilience at IIT Roorkee. With over 150 students with disabilities on campus, the Institute is working to strengthen support mechanisms to ensure equal participation and opportunities for all. His appeal for a dedicated support channel for students with disabilities serves as a reminder that empowerment begins with access, and true inclusion stems from collective responsibility.
Saurav Kumar’s journey stands as a beacon of hope, proving that limitations are only as real as we allow them to be. His success belongs not only to him, but to everyone who believes in the power of courage, community, and compassion.
The Dean of Students’ Welfare (DoSW), IIT Roorkee, has been a strong pillar of support in Saurav Kumar’s journey, ensuring that students with diverse abilities receive the encouragement and resources they need to excel. Through its inclusive initiatives and mentoring ecosystem, the DoSW office facilitated Saurav’s access to training facilities, travel assistance, and institutional sponsorship for his participation in national and international para swimming events. The office also played a key role in promoting awareness and inclusion across campus, helping foster a culture where determination and talent are celebrated beyond physical limitations. This support reflects IIT Roorkee’s deep commitment to student welfare, empowerment, and equal opportunities for all.
