Where there is a will there is a way; a way you make for yourself even if you have to dug it out with your bare hands. Hence, the power of resilience, passion, and dedication should never be undermined. There are several examples out there that pushed through all obstacles becoming success stories. One such story comes from the other side of the border, all the way from Kashmir.

Ishrat Rasheed hailing from Indian-occupied Kashmir is a basketball player and is specially-abled. Moreover, her life changed after meeting a serious accident that gave her a spinal cord injury leaving her bed-ridden and later wheelchair-bound.

Her story is remarkable and nothing short of a miracle. Ishrat recalled the incident that took away life from her legs; she fell from the second floor of her house.  She said, “I was unable to accept the new reality as I had not seen a wheelchair my whole life,” 

Ishrat came a long way and didn’t give up on life!

Life took a positive turn when she found out about a camp that was being held for wheelchair-bound basketball players in Srinagar indoor stadium. She signed up thinking that she never tried this kind of basketball and with her condition, this seemed interesting.

Rasheed told ANI (Indian News Agency), “I saw some boys playing wheelchair basketball. I wondered if they can do it, why can’t I?” Ishrat added, “ I had never played wheelchair basketball. I soon joined the team and made the cut for two national events,”

Ishrat was traced by the forces after Kashmir was locked down!

After the abrogation of Article 370 and all communications blocked, Ishrat was reached out by the Jammu-Kashmir police who informed her about her selection to represent India internationally.

Ishrat recalled, “I was informed by the police and the Army that I had to go to a national camp in Chennai. The camp was supposed to be held on August 28 and I was informed on August 26. Somehow, I managed to make the cut for the international event. I will be going to Pattaya now,”

Also Read: Abdul Mueed – Wheelchair Bound Entrepreneur Is Setting An Example For Everyone

Ishrat sends gratitude and has a message for all differently-abled girls!

” I am very happy and I never thought I would go this far. It was only possible through the support of my family, Indian Army and Jammu-Kashmir Police.” Ishrat added, “I would like to tell all the young women in Kashmir that they should not think that they are disadvantaged. If I can reach this far on a wheelchair, anybody can. You can even surpass me,”

Ishrat is an inspiration to everyone who is struggling to sort their life, is going through a hard time and needs reassurance that they too can make it. We hope she wins big in the tournament set to take place next month in Thailand.

Isn’t she inspiring and brave? Comment below!