Himanshi Rathi: India’s First Female Para Chess Medallist Who Turned Adversity into Victory
Ahmedabad, Oct 10 (TheTrendingPeople.com): In the final, tense moments of a chess match, Himanshi Rathi performs three simple rituals — she sips water, eats a piece of chocolate, and stands up to stretch. The routine helps her calm her mind and focus on the invisible chessboard she carries in her memory. For Himanshi, each move is more than a step toward victory — it’s a reminder of how far she’s come since losing her sight completely in Class 12.
At just 25, Himanshi has become India’s first woman to win a medal in chess at the Asian Para Games, a double gold medallist in English Literature, and now a civil service aspirant. Her story, marked by discipline, courage, and a quiet strength, reflects what it truly means to turn challenges into purpose.
On this World Sight Day 2025, her journey stands as a powerful reminder that vision is not limited to what one sees — but what one imagines and builds.
Losing Sight, Finding Direction
Born in Palanpur, Gujarat, Himanshi was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) at the age of three — a rare, inherited disorder that progressively damages the retina, leading to severe vision loss.
“It runs in families. My grandmother, aunt, and sister also have the condition. We consulted many doctors, but they said there is no cure,” she recalls.
Retinitis Pigmentosa typically begins in childhood, with night blindness and loss of peripheral vision. Over time, it narrows into tunnel vision until complete blindness sets in.
Until Class 4, Himanshi studied at Vidya Mandir, a mainstream school in Palanpur. But as her vision worsened, her parents shifted her to Andhya Kanya Prakash School for the Blind in Ahmedabad. The move changed everything.
“I didn’t know Braille or how to manage after losing sight. The blind school helped me learn mobility and independence. I lost my vision completely in Class 12,” she says.
It was there, in Class 5, that she found her calling — chess.
“I wasn’t very good at music, which was a compulsory subject, so one of my teachers suggested I try chess. Initially, I found it difficult to imagine the board. But slowly, I began to visualise every piece and move in my mind,” she adds.
What began as a hobby soon became her passion — and eventually, her life’s defining journey.
The Support That Changed Everything
As her interest in chess deepened, Himanshi discovered a community that nurtured her talent — the Blind People’s Association (BPA) in Ahmedabad, one of India’s leading organisations supporting people with disabilities.
“BPA provides structured coaching and all-round support. They train visually impaired players with the same seriousness as professional athletes,” she says.
Under BPA’s mentorship, Himanshi trained with experienced coaches, including Darshan Pandya, who is visually impaired, and Hemal Thanki, a sighted coach. She also worked closely with Paritosh Dave, inclusive chess coordinator at BPA, who believes the sport creates a level playing field.
“This is one game where the sighted and visually impaired play together — and often, the latter win,” says Dave. “Chess gives them confidence, visibility, and social acceptance.”
Through BPA and the Gujarat Chess Association for the Visually Challenged (GCAVC), Himanshi began participating in state and national tournaments, steadily rising through the ranks.
Before her historic international debut, she trained under international player and coach Jalpan Bhatt. “Himanshi has a brilliant memory and strong defensive style. Before the Asian Para Games in China, I trained her intensively for three months. She can memorise long variations and adapt her strategy quickly,” Bhatt recalls.
Each session brought her closer to a dream that once felt impossible.
From Ahmedabad to Hangzhou: Making History
By the time Himanshi represented India at the 2023 Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China, she had already proven her dominance nationally.
She had won:
- The All-India Chess Federation for the Blind National Women’s Championship (2022)
- The National Women’s Championship titles in 2019 and 2020
- Ranked 14th at the 2022 Chess Olympiad in France
In Hangzhou, she competed in the B1 category (for completely blind players) in Standard Chess and brought home two bronze medals — one in the individual event and another in the team rapid event.
Her triumph marked a historic milestone — the first-ever Asian Para Games chess medal by an Indian woman.
For Himanshi, the moment was deeply emotional. “It was not just about winning. It was about proving to myself that I could see beyond what the eyes can show,” she says.
Her calm approach under pressure is a blend of focus and mindfulness. “The last few moves are always crucial. I drink water, eat chocolate, and stretch a bit to stay composed. I’m mostly a defensive player — about 30 percent aggressive,” she explains.
Her discipline soon paid off beyond the chessboard. Recognising her achievements, the Government of Gujarat appointed her as a Taluka Development Officer, Class-2 — a rare honour for a para-athlete at such a young age.
A Life Beyond the Chessboard
Even after achieving national and international recognition, Himanshi’s thirst for learning remains unstoppable.
A gold medallist in both BA and MA in English Literature from Gujarat University, she now balances her government role with preparations for civil service exams like GPSC and UPSC.
“I completed my MA in 2024 and began preparing for the exams in 2022. I didn’t clear my first UPSC attempt, but I’ve finished my GPSC mains and plan to try again,” she shares.
Her interests extend far beyond academics. “I enjoy reading Gujarati literature, learning French, and studying law. I also love horse riding and swimming,” she says.
Both sports, she explains, were introduced to her by her family. “My mother learnt horse riding first and then taught me. My sister Urvi, who is also blind, competes in swimming. We often practise together.”
Her multidimensional interests reflect her philosophy — that disability does not limit a person, only the willingness to try does.
The Family That Anchors Her
Behind Himanshi’s success stands a family that refused to let her limitations define her.
Her father, Bhavesh Rathi, recalls how chess entered their lives. “When she joined the blind school, we got her a tactile chessboard designed for visually impaired players. I taught her the basics, and soon, we hired a professional coach.”
Her mother, Dipali, continues to accompany her to tournaments. “I travel with her everywhere. When she’s playing, I sit quietly in the audience, ready to help if needed,” she says.
Later this month, Himanshi will return to the board — this time at a national championship hosted by the Blind People’s Association, featuring both Indian and international players. For her, each match is an opportunity to test growth rather than chase medals.
“I’m preparing for the 2028 Asian Para Games in Japan,” she says with calm determination.
The Language of Resilience
For Himanshi, chess is not just a game — it’s her identity, her connection to the world, and her way of expressing strength.
“Chess means everything to me. It has given me respect and confidence. When I play against sighted players, I feel equal. That’s the best feeling,” she says.
Her journey — from a small-town girl diagnosed with a degenerative eye condition to an international medallist — redefines the idea of success. It’s not about what she lost, but what she built from it.
Each move, each match, and each milestone has been an act of resilience.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
On this World Sight Day, Himanshi Rathi’s story is a beacon of hope for millions. It proves that strength does not come from what we see, but from how we choose to see ourselves.
Her journey from blindness to brilliance is not just a tale of sports achievement — it’s a lesson in courage, patience, and relentless self-belief.
As India looks toward the next Asian Para Games, Himanshi’s unwavering determination continues to inspire a generation of young dreamers — reminding us that victory is not about perfect circumstances, but about making the right move, one step at a time.
