For K. Lakshmi Kumar, his journey of discovery began in his hometown of Tadipatri, Andhra Pradesh, India. In 2022, a new world opened to him when he enrolled at the Rural Development Trust (RDT)’s High School for Inclusive Education. It was a decision that would shape his academic and athletic future, all thanks to the local Vikalanga Sankshema Sangaham (Disabled Welfare Association).
Lakshmi’s life was marked by great courage, but beneath it lies another story, a cyst that formed on his leg bones, leaving him dependent on a wheelchair at times. Yet he never let it define his spirit. Coming from a modest family, with his mother, Nallamma, a worker in a hotel, and his elder brother, Shanthakumar, who works at Kia, supported him through every challenge. When his father, Nagaraju, passed away in 2025, it strengthened his resolve to build a future through education and sports.
Initially, his sole aim was academics. But his time at the RDT school offered more than just academics. Alongside education, he developed an interest in art and sports.
“I didn’t know that sports for persons with disabilities even exist. Coming here was an eye-opening experience for me. Everyone is treated equally with respect and recognition,” Lakshmi shares.
With the encouragement of his Physical Education Teachers, Sankar and Balakrishna, he explored sports. Soon, he learned that Nadal Education and Tennis School (NETS) offers a wheelchair tennis programme, and he thought, why not try his hand! He enrolled in the evening sessions from 4.30 to 5.30 PM and trained under the guidance of the certified coaches.
NETS, located in RDT’s Anantapur Sports Village, is designed in a holistic development model, integrating Tennis, English, Computer education and life skills, creating inclusive pathways for children to excel on and off the field. Wheelchair tennis (WCT) was introduced in 2019 and supports around 20 athletes annually from RDT Disability Inclusive Development (DID) schools. For Lakshmi, like many of his peers, tennis became more than a sport; it became a source of confidence and inspiration. “Initially, I joined for fun”, he admits. “But now, I feel inspired and want to perform well in tournaments”.
To further nurture his skills, he attended workshops by the Indian Wheelchair Tennis Tour (IWTT) in 2023. Another turning point came when he witnessed athletes competing at the IWTT Tournament in Bengaluru.
“I was inspired by seeing the athletes. Their spirit and mentality boosted my confidence, and I thought that one day, I wanted to be like them”, recalls Lakshmi.
Alongside tennis, he also trained in both athletics and badminton and prepared for competitions at his school. His dedication led him to the 5th Junior Andhra Pradesh (A. P.) State Para Athletics Championship 2024 and bagged a bronze in the A.P State Badminton Championships 2024, transforming his self-belief.
While engaging in sports has boosted his confidence, time management, focus and resilience, these skills have also played a crucial role in supporting Lakshmi’s education. As a result, in the 10th-grade state board examinations of 2024-25, he scored 409 out of 500, reflecting his determination. Later, for higher studies, he opted for Electronics and Communication Engineering (Diploma) from the Government Polytechnic College in Anantapur. Even today, he manages his own expenses to travel back to the tennis court in the evening, to follow the passion that gave him wings.
Today, Lakshmi, among the 20 children with disabilities in the NETS WCT programme, is building confidence, continuing their education and shaping their own future through sport and education. Once mocked by children in his native place about his disability, he found a space rooted in dignity, inclusion and belief. When young people have access to opportunities and are supported by an enabling environment, they discover their true potential and overcome any challenges. Lakshmi’s journey is a reminder that with dignity, support, and self-belief, limitations begin to fade and possibilities open up.
Text & Images: Kailas Khanna K.R.
As published on Azitama.jp
