From Jind to Podium: Kokila Kaushik's Para-Judo Story

A determined para-judoka from Jind has turned family sacrifice into sporting success. Kokila Kaushik won silver in the women's J2 -52 kg event at the Asian Para Games 2026, adding another proud moment to her steadily rising career.

Kokila's medal was an improvement on the bronze she won at the previous Asian Para Games. Yet she came to the competition aiming for gold, so the result also leaves her with unfinished business. Her focus has already shifted to the 2028 Paralympics, where she hopes to stand on the top step of the podium for India.

She began judo in 2018 and has trained under coach Munawwar Anjar. Kokila said the wait for a competition of this stature had been long, and winning a medal made it worthwhile. She noted that she had moved from bronze to silver, but the missed gold means she must adjust her style and strategy before the next major event.

The path into judo was shaped by family. Kokila's elder sister was the first to take up the sport and encouraged her to follow. Her father was initially hesitant, concerned about the risk of injury. Only after her brother began competing did the family agree to let Kokila join as well.

The family did not initially know much about para sports or about the competitions open to visually impaired athletes. As they learned more, they realised that Kokila could pursue a serious career in the discipline. She credited her family, coach and country and said that young women can achieve great things when they get equal support at home.

Her father, Krishna Kumar Kaushik, a lecturer at a school, has carried much of the financial burden. He said training and tournament participation cost around 40 to 45 lakh rupees, and he had prepared to sell his property to keep his daughter's dream alive.

He said travel expenses rose sharply during the Covid period, when competitions required long journeys. He took a 10 lakh rupee loan from a cooperative bank at the time, but further tournaments still required more money.

A later intervention over the delayed payment of national-level cash prizes to visually impaired para-judo athletes in Haryana brought relief. Kokila received 10.50 lakh rupees, which eased the family's finances and prevented the sale of their house.

Krishna Kumar Kaushik dreams of seeing his daughter win Paralympic gold. He believes that if a visually impaired athlete can reach international level through hard work, other children should be inspired to pursue their goals as well. He urged parents to trust their daughters and open doors for them in sports, adding that family backing is as vital as talent in building an athlete's success.