Indore’s para-athlete Pooja chosen for national award:President to confer honor in Delhi; defied spinal cord injury, won international medals

In a proud moment for Indore and Madhya Pradesh, international para-athlete Pooja Garg (Agrawal) has been selected for the National Award 2025 instituted by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. She will receive the prestigious honour under the category of “Best Divyangjan (Locomotor Disability)”. The award will be presented by President Droupadi Murmu in a national ceremony scheduled to be held in New Delhi in December 2025. A journey of courage and determination Pooja Garg’s life is a remarkable tale of resilience and inspiration. In 2010, a severe accident left her with a spinal cord injury, but she refused to give up. After undergoing 13 surgeries and a long rehabilitation process, she not only returned to a normal life but also triumphed over cancer. Representing India on the global stage Today, Pooja is an international para canoe athlete who has brought laurels to the nation. At the Asian Para Canoe Championship 2025 held in Thailand, she won two bronze medals for India. In 2024, she also made history by reaching the 14,400-feet-high Nathu La Pass in Sikkim on a motorbike, proudly hoisting the Indian Tricolour. Her feat earned her recognition in the World Book of Records – London. Social work and advocacy for inclusion Beyond sports, Pooja is a dedicated social activist. Through her NGO, “Pankhon Ki Udaan Charitable Foundation,” she runs nationwide campaigns on Good Touch–Bad Touch awareness, self-defence training, cancer awareness, and sports motivation programs. Her efforts have inspired and empowered thousands of children and young people across India. Role in accessible elections Recognising her commitment to inclusivity, Pooja has also been appointed as a member of the District Monitoring Committee on Accessible Election by the Indore district administration. The committee ensures smooth and barrier-free voting access for persons with disabilities.