Hearing-Impaired Olympian Archana Pandey Fights for Recognition

Archana Pandey, a two-time hearing-impaired Olympian, is preparing for the upcoming Deaf Olympics in Tokyo this November. As she trains tirelessly at a table tennis hall in Jankipuram, her story reveals the gaps in Uttar Pradesh’s sports policy, which offers support to para athletes but neglects those with hearing impairments. This oversight leaves Archana without the financial backing and job security that many of her peers enjoy.

At 34 years old, Archana has represented India on the world stage, finishing fifth in both Turkey and Brazil. Despite her impressive achievements, including over a dozen medals, she struggles to make ends meet. “I still run my house with just the little I earn from coaching children,” she shared, her voice filled with emotion as she described her responsibilities to her retired father and aging mother.

Archana’s journey began at Lucknow University, where she secured her first college title in 2012. By 2016, she had won her first national medal—a bronze. Her accolades now include one gold, five silver, and six bronze medals from national deaf championships. Yet, she continues to feel overlooked and unrecognized. “Other states like Gujarat and Haryana support their deaf athletes with jobs and money. Here in UP, I get nothing,” she said. She has appealed directly to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for support, hoping for the same recognition afforded to other athletes.

Struggles Behind the Success

Archana trains under the guidance of her coach, Parag Agarwal, who has played a pivotal role in her athletic career. “Her style caught my eye when I first saw her play. I knew she had the spark,” he remarked. However, the pandemic brought additional hardships, pushing Archana to contemplate suicide due to financial instability. “Her family had nothing to fall back on. I managed to provide her some financial support, but it’s not enough for a player who represents India,” Parag explained.

The disparity in support between para athletes and those with hearing impairments is stark. Unlike Paralympians, who receive state funding for international competitions, deaf athletes like Archana are left without institutional support. Hearing impairment is not classified as a disability category in the Paralympic Games, which further complicates their access to resources.

As she dedicates long hours to her training, the prospect of a medal in Tokyo remains a beacon of hope for Archana. “She survives on a modest income from my academy, but that is no way for a two-time Olympian to live,” Parag added. He called for the Uttar Pradesh government to extend similar support to deaf athletes, emphasizing their need for recognition and assistance.

Aiming for the Podium

For Archana, the upcoming Deaf Olympics represents more than just an athletic competition. She believes that winning a medal could transform her life and her family’s circumstances. “My parents tell me a medal will change everything. I believe it too. That’s why I fight every day, despite everything,” she stated with determination.

As Archana continues her preparations, she hopes her story will inspire change within the sports policy framework of Uttar Pradesh. With support and recognition, she believes that deaf athletes can achieve their dreams, just as their counterparts in para sports do. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of inclusivity in sports, and the need for equal support for all athletes, regardless of their challenges.