Imagine being a small child and getting sick with a fever. Usually, it goes away in a day or two. But what if it doesn’t? That’s what happened to Tarun Sharma. A fever escalated into brain fever, leaving him paralysed when he was just six months old. Despite his physical limitations and financial struggles, he won numerous medals on the international stage, including golds at the Hungary and Uzbekistan Open Karate Championships. Furthermore, his achievements were met with silence back home, leaving him to juggle odd jobs, including selling vegetables, to make ends meet. Let’s look into his inspiring story.
1. Tell something about yourself and your life as a kid and how did you start playing Karate?
I was born in the Khanna district of Ludhiana, Punjab. My father is Ram Murti Sharma, and my mother is Mamta Sharma. When I was six months old, I developed a fever that turned into brain fever, which caused a blockage in some of the nerves in my brain leading to full-body paralysis. My parents were devastated as the doctors informed them that the connection between my body and mind was completely off.
They even suggested that it might be better to euthanise me and donate my organs. But my parents refused to do that, they were ready to take care of me for the rest of their lives, and they would give me a full body massage so that my health improved. When I was six years old, my father sat me on the ground in a park so that I could soak up the sunshine as it was Winter, after I saw some kids playing on the ground, I slowly stood up and fell. My father noticed my fall and, he felt a ray of hope that I might be able to walk.
Afterwards, he took me to Jalandhar, where I was undergoing treatment and even the doctors were surprised to see me walking. They suggested that my body also needed a physical workout and regular medication. As I was not able to walk, I entered the ground again in a wheelchair and now 12 years later, I leave it running.. It was my Guru who helped me take my first steps, after that I ran 100 meters, 200 meters, 400 meters, and now I run 1600 meters.
In 2004, I participated in my first karate tournament, despite facing mockery from others. To their surprise, I won the gold medal and in 2013, I won the national championship title. Since then, I have won several medals in the international arena, earning 16 medals in various competitions, including two medals at the Asian Championships.
I have faced many financial difficulties while trying to compete in several championships in India and abroad. Furthermore, some people have made fun of me and mocked me, but I am thankful to them because they made me what I am today. Yet, I miss my father who is no longer among us, because he was not just my father; he was my friend and my inspiration to become a karate champion.
Consequently, I feel sad when I see the condition of elderly people in my city. Once, I visited an old-age home and cried when I saw so many parents living there because their children had abandoned them. I just want to request everyone to respect and care for their elders.
2. What are you doing currently? Can you share your story about how you achieved your medals and participated in tournaments?
It has been a difficult yet rewarding journey; but I never gave up. I struggled and fought with poverty. Furthermore, I also help people who are struggling with drug addiction in Khanna. I have also opened the Tarun Karate Academy, where children who are underprivileged, orphaned, or unable to participate in sports for any reason are given free access to sports training.
Furthermore, I also help smart students who want to go to school but can’t afford the fees by paying for them. Now, I have a temporary job in MCD and my salary is 10,000, I also look after their diet.
3. You are running a karate academy, managing an NGO, and planning to participate in more karate championships.
Yes, I plan to participate in more karate championships, but I face financial challenges. For example, I missed the Asian Championships in China because I needed about 1.5 lakhs. As the first Paralympic player in Punjab, I don’t have access to funds. Although I get support from NGOs, NRIs, and some associations that provide help, it is usually only, a one-time support.
Even though Karate is not a part of the Olympics, the good news is that once karate becomes an Olympic sport in 2028, players who compete in events like the Olympics will receive funding. I also learn karate from YouTube because training is expensive. My job is temporary, and I am working hard to make it permanent, just like I fought to get this job. I am struggling so that the kids after me who want to participate in Karate have a bright future.
I feel proud of the impact of my work. For example, I received a call from someone whose brother, a drug addict, was inspired by my video. He worked hard to recover and became a professional bodybuilder. I have also started an association named ‘Nasha Chhudaao Punjab aur India Bacchao.’
Through this association, I will visit every city and village and organise an hour camp to motivate my brothers and sisters to leave drug addiction and teach my sisters various techniques to defend themselves. I also post videos on my social media accounts where I tell them about my plan to visit every city and village, and if anyone wants a camp there they can contact me, and I will organise camps free of cost.
Message For The Audience
I believe that one should never give up and it is important to stay strong and keep pushing forward. One should set a goal for oneself, whether it is becoming a civil servant, focusing on sports, or building your career. Having a clear target can help you stay motivated. Additionally, women should also learn self-defence. It is a great way to stay confident, stay fit and stay safe.
