Behind the Journey – Dhwani Shah

 

In Para table tennis player Dhwani Shah’s life, everything is literally ‘all right’. Dhwani discovered the game of table tennis at a young age. Since then, her life has revolved around bouncing the little white ball and the colourful bat around the house. 

However, she realised that life and fate had other plans when she was diagnosed with a tumour in her brain at the age of 7 and was informed that there was minimal chance of survival. 

The diagnosis of a brain tumour devastated her parents. Every day was terrifying, and getting treated in a private hospital was next to impossible on her father’s meagre wages as a clerk. 

The nightmare continued as Dhwani had to go through multiple surgeries. Things went from bad to worse in 2016 when Dhwani underwent surgery to remove the tumour. However, during the surgery, a portion of her brain was accidentally nudged, causing total paralysis of her left side. 

This did not stop her unwavering spirit. She loved the game of table tennis and wanted to continue playing the sport she loved. 

However, to qualify for tournaments, Dhwani needed a coach but was rejected by multiple coaches. This is when she decided to train herself and follow the path she loves. 

Conquering With Faith and Confidence 

Dhwani says following her dream to play was only possible because of her parents’ support. She says that her parents gave her the confidence to believe in herself 100%. Especially when she thought that her abilities had shrunk by 50% due to her illness.

Despite losing all hope, it was her father who told her that table tennis is a mind game and all she needed was her right hand to conquer the game. 

She continued practising and knew that everything can be possible if she puts her mind to it. Dhwani proved her father’s words right when she won silver and bronze medals at the Para Table Tennis National Championship and a bronze medal at the International Para Table Tennis Championship. 

Planning to Win

While she was training and working towards her passion, she also realised that she would need financial support to follow her dreams.

Dhwani says her father knew this day would come when she would follow her dreams. To ensure that his daughter could have the same opportunities like everyone else, he started saving and planning his finances systematically. It is because of his foresight for financial planning that all this was possible. 

Dhwani’s next goal is to win the 2024 Para Olympics. She aims to keep winning medals to make her family and her country proud. 

Dhwani Shah has not let her disability define her. Instead, she is working on her goals every day to make herself a better player. HDFC Life’s campaign ‘Behind the Journey’ salutes Dhwani’s ‘never give up spirit’ to follow her dreams despite the hurdles, and is a testament that one can conquer the highest mountain with planning, hard work and a little bit of faith.

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ARN: ED/02/24/9539