New Delhi: The Tokyo Paralympics is set to kick off from August 24, with para-athletes competing in various disciplines across 9 sports categories. This year, India has sent its biggest para-athlete contingent for the Paralympics event in Tokyo.
Meanwhile, 22-year-old Aarhan Bagati is an inspiring figure garnering huge attention for his exemplary achievements and contribution towards uplifting the performance of the Indian contingent at the Paralympics.
He traveled with the first batch of India’s athletes as the youngest Deputy Chef de Mission of Tokyo Paralympics (CDM). At just a tender age, he has many achievements in his kitty. Hailing from Kashmir, Bagati has been a goodwill ambassador since 2015 and recently graduated from Pamona college in the United States.
What prompted Arhan Bagati to cheer for para-athletes
Bagati, a golf athlete himself, saw the plight of para-athletes while attending the 2015 Paralympic Games and was greatly pained and moved to see that basic amenities were missing for world-class athletes. These athletes had to crawl the stairs as there was no ramp facility for them.
How Bagati’s App helped para-athletes
Bagati developed a mobile application that guided Paralympic athletes to find locations that are easily accessible to them including restrooms, restaurants, movie theatres, public parks and more. The App also had features via which one could locate any place, address or contact information of the concerned person/office.
Yet another feature of the Mobile App facilitated disabled Indian diaspora in the host city to connect with the athletes competing in the game. This ‘two-way communication’ worked wonders and found strong connect among the sportspersons as well as spectators.
For the 2020 Paralympic Games, he has launched a new App. It is available on Google Play & iTunes and also has a web platform. He wants to make this App as popular as Zomato.
Bagati sponsored 2 para-athletes at the 2016 Rio Games
In 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games, Bagati sponsored 2 para-athletes namely Mariappantangavel and Balun Simbati at 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games. They won the bronze medal in 2016 and donated the full amount with the help of family and friends.
This year, the young CDM from Kashmir has set his sights on India’s medals tally. He sees the Indian contingent winning at least 15 medals at Tokyo Paralympics.
“We have set a goal of 15 medals, but the possibilities are immeasurable. The motivational interaction with the Prime Minister has boosted the spirit of all athletes,” Dy Chef de Mission Arhan Bagati said while embarking on Tokyo visit.
