Hyderabad: Kudumula Lokeshwari, a 24-year-old para athlete from Saroor Nagar in Telangana’s Ranga Reddy district, has made the nation proud by winning a bronze medal in discus throw (F-37 category) at the World Women’s Athletics Grand Prix 2025 held in Olomouc, Czech Republic, from July 1 to 6.

Lokeshwari’s journey-from battling disability and poverty to standing on the global podium-serves as a powerful reminder that determination can overcome even the toughest obstacles.

A Journey of Grit and Determination

Lokeshwari’s path to glory has been anything but easy. At 10 years old, she was diagnosed with a brain tumour. This left her with 74% disability and partial paralysis on the right side of her body, known as spastic hemiparesis. The condition made even basic mobility a challenge, let alone competitive sports.  

According to Fueladream, a crowdsourcing platform, she was forced to discontinue her education after Grade 10 when her father met with a severe accident. With her mother’s income insufficient to cover medical expenses, Lokeshwari took up two jobs a day to support her family. Despite her relentless efforts, she could not save her father. 

Rise in Para Sports

In 2016, Lokeshwari discovered para sports and began training in discus throw and shot put. Defying all odds, she went on to win six medals (3 silver, 3 bronze) in national and international events. Her latest achievement-a bronze at the World Grand Prix 2025-marks a significant milestone in her career.