SBI Life acknowledges para-athletes' aspirations, emphasizing the importance of family and mentor support

The insurance company SBI Life Insurance holds the belief that people should be able to pursue their ambitions while caring for their loved ones. This philosophy is reflected in the company's core brand concept—'Apne Liye, Apno Ke Liye.' At the Glasgow 2026 Games, the stories of Indian para-athletes embodied this philosophy, demonstrating how the support of family, coaches, and others can be the deciding factor between a dream and a medal.

The story of Jandu, who started selling vegetables by the roadside after polio but taught himself bodybuilding via YouTube, is an example of perseverance. Despite lacking a gym, formal training, or a coach, he never gave up on his dream of becoming an athlete. His ambition was supported by his family; local coaches noticed his potential, and later a national coach guided his talent in the right direction. The culmination of this journey was winning a bronze medal at the British Commonwealth Games in Glasgow 2026.

Sharmila Dhankar found a way to reclaim part of her identity through sports. After decades of prioritizing others' interests, including a difficult marriage and raising two daughters alone, she began shot put. At age 40, she made history by winning India's first-ever gold medal in para-sports at the British Commonwealth Games.

For Dipa Mahadu Gavita, running began with a childhood love. After sustaining a right arm injury from a tree falling on him at the age of five, Dip grew up working on farms with one arm. However, he never stopped running. When he left his small village and came to the city to train, a coach noticed his speed and invited him to practice. This coach not only provided him with training but also helped him move from the village by offering him accommodation in his home.

At the Glasgow 2026 Games, Dip lived up to this trust by winning a record-breaking gold medal. These three athletes, despite their vastly different life paths, share one common trait: none of them reached the podium alone. Jandu had his family and coaches supporting him, seeing him as an athlete regardless of circumstances; Sharmila had the courage to find time for her own aspirations while balancing family responsibilities; and Dip had a coach who recognized his potential, opened his home, and allowed the young runner to dream bigger.

How SBI Life recognizes dreams

This is where the 'Apne Liye, Apno Ke Liye' philosophy of SBI Life Insurance comes into play. This philosophy is based on a simple yet powerful idea: our personal aspirations may belong to us, but the path to them is often shaped by the people who support us.

SBI Life's partnership with the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) reflects this belief, as the company supports para-athletes in achieving excellence, overcoming limitations, and chasing big dreams. This commitment goes beyond mere partnership. On September 7, SBI Life organized an awards ceremony for para-athletes in Delhi, attended by SBI Life leadership. The event demonstrated the brand's broader commitment to grassroots support for para-athletes—not just as a financial service provider, but as a partner invested in their journey, aspirations, and pursuit of excellence.

At the event, Amit Jingram, CEO and Managing Director of SBI Life Insurance, noted that when athletes pursue their dreams, they exert enormous effort and demonstrate determination, but it is not solely their work. The support of their families, coaches, and the entire ecosystem plays a vital role. This fully aligns with the SBI Life philosophy, which is what 'Apne Liye, Apno Ke Liye' means.

For athletes like Jandu, Sharmila, Dip, as well as Shilpa Shyla, Mohammed Basil, Soman Rana, and Shubham Juyal, the medal symbolizes something more than just a moment on the podium. It carries the faith of families, the guidance of coaches, and the support of people who believed in their potential. This is what makes their victories more significant than just individual achievements.

Ravindra Sharma, Vice President and Head of Brand, Corporate Communications, and CSR at SBI Life Insurance, stated: 'For SBI Life, these athletes are 'Unique Gems.' It is recognition of their achievements, their success, and their story. It is their determination. It is their sacrifice.'

Partnership extends to Japan

However, these stories of resilience extended far beyond Glasgow. In October, Indian para-athletes participated in the Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. They showcased a striking diversity of experiences, including service in the Indian Army, overcoming life-altering injuries, and battling financial difficulties while finding confidence through sports.

Despite the vast and varied nature of their experiences, one thing remained constant: an unwavering determination to follow their dreams, often strengthened by the support of people and institutions who believe in their potential. This resolve led to a record total of 114 medals for the Indian delegation in Japan.

At the heart of SBI Life Insurance's 'Apne Liye, Apno Ke Liye' philosophy lies this belief in the power of individual aspirations and in the people who help realize them. Through this partnership, SBI Life recognized the achievements of Indian para-athletes, acknowledging not only the trophies they brought to the country but also the resilience, determination, and collective support that made these successes possible.

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Behind every medal is a dream, and behind every dream are people who believe in it. For Jandu Kumar, Sharmila Dhankar, and Dilip Mahadu Gavita, this belief came from their family, coaches, and mentors who helped them move towards their goals.

At the Glasgow 2026 Games, seven Indian para-athletes managed to realize their aspirations in medals, carrying with them the faith of everyone who contributed to their success. This result reflects the philosophy of 'Apne Liye, Apno Ke Liye'—the idea that what a person achieves for themselves can also be significant for others.