Swapan Kumar Singh :

Thirteen-year-old Chaiti Rani Deb from Bhunobir village in Sreemangal has become the new national champion in the 100-metre para athletics event. Born with physical disabilities and standing only 3 feet 7 inches tall, Chaiti defied the limits that life imposed on her. While growing up, she often faced ridicule and pity, yet her determination remained unshaken. Every afternoon, she practiced on the narrow dirt road of her village—falling repeatedly, getting hurt, but rising again with more resolve than before.

Chaiti, a student of class eight at Dasharoth High School and College, caught the attention of Sports for Hope and Independence (SHI) coach Deb Prasad Shil, who recognised her unusual stamina and focus. “She doesn’t stop when others do. Her willpower is extraordinary. She can jog continuously for over an hour,” the coach said.

On October 3, 2025, Chaiti stunned the crowd at the National Stadium in Dhaka, winning gold in the 100-metre category of the National Para Athletics competition. The girl once known as “the one who struggles to walk” is now celebrated as Bangladesh’s national champion.

Chaiti will represent Bangladesh at an international athletics event in Dubai next month, where she will compete in both sprint and javelin events. Unable to afford the passport fee, her teachers collectively contributed from their own salaries, ensuring she does not miss this opportunity.

Her father, Shotto Deb, watches her training from the sideline every day, filled with pride yet worried about their financial hardship. “I cannot fulfill all her needs,” he said. “But she dreams of raising Bangladesh’s flag on an international track. If she gets support, I believe she will bring glory to our country.”

“I want to run for Bangladesh,” Chaiti said softly. “I want to make my country proud.”

For the girl who grew up racing against her circumstances, this is just the beginning. Her height may be small, but her spirit is larger than every obstacle placed before her.