Siya Sarode, a powerlifter from Sanguem, achieved an exceptional feat by securing four medals, including two golds, at the 2023 Special Olympics World Games held in Berlin. Siya, a student at the Sanjay Centre for Special Education in Curchorem, faced initial visa complications that almost prevented her from participating in the Games due to missing documents.

Overcoming Obstacles with Support

Living with her uncle and aunt following the loss of her mother and her father’s disappearance, Siya required a legal guardian certificate for her Schengen visa, which she lacked. Thankfully, the intervention of the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) expedited the process, enabling Siya to obtain the document in a short period.

Siya received her visa only 24 hours before the commencement of the World Games, ensuring her participation. Victor Vaz, the national sports director for Special Olympics Bharat, expressed confidence in Siya’s abilities.

Siya Sarode’s Impressive Medal Haul

Siya’s remarkable talent and determination shone through as she clinched a total of four medals at the World Games. Her outstanding performance included two golds in the deadlift and squat events, a silver in the combined category, and a bronze in the bench press.

Acknowledging Siya’s spectacular efforts, Vaz praised her accomplishments while emphasizing the potential setback she narrowly avoided. He extended gratitude to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Social Welfare Minister Subhash Phal Desai, and State Disability Commissioner Guruprasad Pawaskar for their support in ensuring Siya’s visa issuance within a remarkably short timeframe.

In addition to Siya Sarode’s achievements, Taniya Ulhas Usgaonkar, a 15-year-old student from Keshav Seva Sadhana in Bicholim, stood proudly on the podium in roller skating. Taniya’s perseverance and determination paid off as she won a bronze medal in the 30m straight-line roller-skating event, competing in the DO3 division and finishing behind the Romanian duo of Mihal Arsenie and Corina Campeanu.

Despite numerous falls and initial difficulties in even walking with the skates on, Taniya displayed remarkable self-confidence and unwavering interest in the sport, impressing her teachers and overcoming all obstacles.

Indian Success in Roller-Skating

India showcased its excellence on the roller-skating rink, with athletes bringing home a total of eight medals throughout the day. These impressive achievements included two golds, two silvers, and four bronzes, highlighting the country’s prowess in roller skating at the Special Olympics World Games.