Anshuman Sharma, a para judo athlete from Jammu & Kashmir, has spoken out about the rapid spread of low-quality viral content on social media compared to the slow recognition of athletes like him who travel 200 kilometers daily for training.
Competing in the J1 (totally blind) category, Sharma has won multiple medals nationally and represented India internationally in the World Para Judo Championship 2025. He was recently selected for the IOCL Divya Shakti Para-Athlete Scheme, receiving ₹3.5 lakh annually for his sports career. Sharma urges society to support athletes who work tirelessly for national glory instead of wasting time on trivial viral content.
Traveling 200 kilometres daily for training, Anshuman highlights the lack of public encouragement and motivation despite athletes’ relentless hard work. He calls on people to stop wasting time on “cringe” viral videos and instead invest their energy into backing athletes representing India on national and global stages.
Viral Message from a Tireless Athlete
In a powerful Instagram video, Anshuman Sharma shared his frustration over how quickly meaningless content goes viral on social media while athletes, who endure long and hard journeys for their sport, remain unnoticed. “Guys, I travel 100 kilometres one way daily just to reach my stadium, and then again 100 kilometres back,” Anshuman says.
His days are consumed by travel and training as he strives for medals and glory for the country. Yet, despite the sacrifices, athletes like him lack the social and motivational support from the public. He urged viewers to reconsider their priorities and start encouraging para athletes who give their all, emphasizing motivation as just as important as financial aid.
Para Judo Champion’s Journey and Daily Struggles
Anshuman Sharma’s story is one of resilience and determination. Despite being totally blind, he travels 100 kilometers each way from his home in Udhampur to the training stadium daily, dedicating entire days to rigorous practice. Sharma earned one gold, one silver, and two bronze medals at the National Games and represented India at the 2025 World Para Judo Championship in Astana, Kazakhstan.
Expressing his frustration, he pointed out how “cringe-worthy” viral content gains attention quickly, while athletes investing years of hard work don’t get the support or recognition they deserve. His mentor, Suraj Bhan Singh, Chief Judo Coach at J&K Sports Council, is a pivotal figure behind his success.
Background and Institutional Support for Para Athletes
Sharma’s recent selection in the prestigious Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) Divya Shakti Para-Athlete Scheme exemplifies growing institutional efforts to empower para athletes in India. The scheme provides an annual grant of ₹3.5 lakh to help Sharma pursue his sporting ambitions.
Known as a beacon of hope for para sports, Sharma’s achievements highlight the potential of athletes overcoming physical challenges through discipline and perseverance. This recognition also shines a spotlight on Jammu & Kashmir’s contribution to para sports, an area often underrepresented at the national level.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, the journey of Anshuman Sharma is a powerful reminder to value dedication and perseverance in Indian sportspersons, especially para athletes who face additional challenges.
It is crucial to foster a culture that not only critiques viral online trends but also uplifts those who silently strive for excellence against all odds. Supporting athletes like Sharma goes beyond financial assistance, it entails social recognition, encouragement, and a collective effort to nurture their ambitions.
