Close your eyes for 30 seconds and try to pick up a cup. You’ll probably struggle to find it. Now imagine sitting at a chessboard trying to move your pieces, remembering every square, and predicting your opponent’s next move, all without seeing a thing. That is how Himanshi Rathi from Gujarat plays chess every day. Blind since the age of 17, she has not only mastered the game but also created history by becoming India’s first woman to win a chess medal at the Asian Para Games. Her journey is proof that while losing sight can change how you see the world, it can never take away your vision to achieve something extraordinary. Instead of letting her dreams fade, she found a new way to see through the 64 black and white squares of a chessboard. 

At 25, the girl from Palanpur, Gujarat, has made her name in Indian sports history as the first Indian woman to win a chess medal at the Asian Para Games. Her journey, filled with struggle, study, and self-belief, is a reminder that courage can often see what the eyes cannot.

Early Life and the Silent Battle 

Himanshi was only three years old when she was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), a rare inherited eye disease that slowly damages the retina, causing gradual vision loss.  As a child, she managed to study and play like everyone else. But by the time she reached Class 12, the condition worsened. The nights grew darker, her field of vision shrank, and finally, at 17, she lost her sight completely. For most, such a moment could have been the end of dreams. For Himanshi, it was the beginning of a new purpose.

Losing Sight, Finding Direction

Adjusting to blindness wasn’t easy. The once-familiar classroom, books, and faces turned into shadows. Yet, Himanshi refused to stop studying. She learned Braille, used assistive technology, and relied on audiobooks to continue her education. She completed her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in English Literature, graduating with gold medals in both. Her academic success was a reflection of not only her intellect but also her discipline and willpower. It was during this time that she found chess, a game that became both her escape and her empowerment.

The Game of Imagination and Patience

At first, Himanshi struggled to understand how a visually impaired person could play chess. The answer came from the Blind People’s Association (BPA) in Ahmedabad, where she began her formal training. The organization introduced her to special tactile chessboards, where each square and piece could be felt rather than seen. “I had to visualize every move in my mind,” she recalls.  With hours of daily practice and guidance from coaches at BPA, Himanshi mastered the skill of mental visualization. She learned to track complex moves purely by memory and touch, developing a sharp strategic mind and incredible concentration.

Making History at the Asian Para Games

At the Asian Para Games, Himanshi achieved what no Indian woman before her had done: she won a bronze medal in chess, marking a historic milestone for Indian para sports. Her win wasn’t just about a medal. It was about representation, resilience, and redefining what “ability” truly means.  Himanshi’s journey doesn’t end on the chessboard.  Behind Himanshi’s success stands a family that refused to let her lose hope. Her parents ensured she continued schooling. Himanshi’s story challenges society’s limited vision of disability. 

In a world that often equates success with physical perfection, she shows that intellect, imagination, and persistence are the real strengths that define a person. She not only competes with sighted players but also coaches younger visually impaired students, guiding them on how to feel the board, build strategies, and strengthen memory. Her name now shines in India’s growing list of para-sports heroes alongside champions who remind us that resilience is the brightest light in darkness. Her journey from blindness to brilliance is proof that true vision lies not in what we see, but in how we dream. Her eyes may no longer capture light, but her spirit illuminates the path for thousands who walk through darkness with courage.