Through The Power Of Sports Changing Lives - Isha Outreach

94
Megha
Solan, HIMACHAL PRADESH
Those who say that Megha’s mind moves slowly
should see her nimble movements when she
races down a snowy slope on her skis. Special
child Megha, a 15 year old from Solan in Himachal
Pradesh, is a triple Special Olympics Gold Medallist in
downhill skiing. Megha achieved this feat by winning
the Giant Slalom, the Super Giant Slalom and the
Novice Slalom Alpine Skiing events at the 2009 World
Winter Games in Idaho (USA). She is the only Indian
sportsperson to have won three Gold Medals in a single
Olympic Games of any kind!
Megha’s parents realised that their child’s mental
development was a little different when she was
three years old and they, along with her coaches and
teachers, have given her the required extra support and
confidence to succeed. When Megha was nine, she was
moved to a school for special children where her skiing
talent got noticed. She was subsequently registered in
a skiing programme in the state where she received the
best of training. Her skiing success has put her life on
the trail of change too. Timidity and shyness have been
replaced by confidence and happiness. Megha may not
be able to converse coherently but her mind now speaks
a great language – the language of success! Yes, Megha
is a truly special Indian.
“When I ski down the snow
covered mountains, I feel
no fear. Alpine skiing has
changed my life. I want to
complete school, become a
teacher and continue skiing!
Megha