At the age of 17 though, everything changed. While at work in a sodden field, an electricity cable collapsed into the water around him and electrocuted Kapil, rendering him totally blind, among other complications. He spent a long time in hospital in the city of Bhopal but the recovery was not easy and his sight never returned.
This new situation provided many challenges but when he heard about the judo academy in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, run by Munawar Anzar, 8th dan, he saw a way to re-engage with judo and also with hope and ambition. It would require a lot of big decisions and a huge life-changing move but Kapil Parmar was convinced it was the right path for him. So, he moved away from his family to Lucknow in the north-east of the country, close to the Nepalese border and he began a whole new career.
In 2024 Parmar won a bronze medal at the Paris Paralympic Games. He also has Asian Games and Asian championship medals but he is still seeking the gold and that illustrates why he has travelled all the way to Egypt to compete in this week’s IBSA Grand Prix in Giza. The need for seeding for the 2025 Asian Championships being held in Kazakhstan later this year and also for the 2026 Asian Para-Games, drives his current plan. At the last Asian Para Games he won silver and now wants to take the next step.
It is clear that 24 year old Kapil Parmar has the ability to overcome adversity and find new ways to develop himself and excel. With a great range of judo techniques at his disposal, a will to win and a set of clear goals, he is a formidable opponent for all who face him.