Ananth Rao from Mysuru started performing gymnastics at the age of 9. He represented Mysuru at the district level and Karnataka at national-level competitions.

He is a winner of 3 silver and 2 bronze medals at South Asian Level competitions besides several other medals.

However, on October 12, 2010, he suffered a tragic injury at a state-level gymnastic event. While performing a somersault, he landed awkwardly on his head which damaged his spinal cord badly and left him completely paralysed below the hip.

Several hospital visits and a stem plantation therapy later, he is on the slow, hard road to recovery. 

With a daily cost of Rs.3000, his treatment expenses are estimated to go up to Rs.2.5 lakhs.

“He couldn’t even sit before, but now he can sit in the wheelchair for 4 hours. I can see improvement in his condition. If he is provided with proper Ayurvedic treatment, he can even start to walk,” says his wife Chandraprabha.

A crowdfunding campaign has been started on Milaap to get him back on his feet. If you wish to help, please click here.

Watch the video.