Prakash Nanjappa: The Olympics shooter who fought Paralysis

Prakash Nanjappa began his shooting career after his father challenged him. However, due to poor financial conditions, he gave up on the sport and relocated to Canada to work. By 2009, he had earned sufficient money to take up his passion for the sport again. 

Tragedy struck in 2013, when Nanjappa suddenly suffered from a "Paralytic attack" during a World Cup event at Granada. To his utter dismay, his  doctors  told  him would never be able to shoot again.

Nanjappa was diagnosed with Bell's palsy, a type of paralysis that affected muscles on the right side of his face. However, after a six week of bed rest, he miraculously recovered and resumed his life -- that is shooting.

Injuries and health issues seemed to follow Nanjappa throughout his sporting life. During his initial years he was an excellent Badminton player, however due to a ligament tear, he was forced to quit the sport. In 2013, during the ISSF World Cup at Changwon, he suffered from severe wrist pain but he still managed to bag a bronze medal. He was the only Indian to win a medal in that tournament. His best moment so far in his career has been the second place finish in the 2014 Commonwealth Games at Glassgow. 

The Bangalore-based shooter will compete in the 50 metre air pistol event on August 10 at the Rio Olympics.

• Prakash Nanjappa