Standing ovations and congratulatory messages have become commonplace for Bengaluru-based businessman Sagar Baheti after completing the historic Boston Marathon, the world’s oldest, most competitive and the hardest marathon to qualify for. But it’s not just because he’s one of very few Indians to have achieved the feat; it’s because he overcame all odds in the visually impaired category to cross the finish line in 4 hours, 14 minutes and 7 seconds, with the tricolour in tow.
Speaking from the US, Sagar tells us that he’s always been an athlete. “I’ve been a cricketer since childhood. I’ve only been running for three years now – a little after I was diagnosed of Stargardts,” he says, using this physical activity to challenge him. The disease is a type of genetic muscular degeneration which causes progressive deterioration of the central portion of the retina and ultimately leads to legal blindness. However, the upheaval didn’t stand a chance in his race for life. “I hope that it will inspire people to challenge their limits and makes them believe that physical challenges can be overcome if you only have the will to do it,” he smiles. Sagar trained twice a day and completed the marathon with the help of experienced, sighted guides – Vincent Hau, a retina specialist from Kaiser Permanente, California, Jordan Vance and Jamie Cohen from Boston, who’ve run the annual marathon many times before.
His inspiring tale doesn’t end at the finish line though. Working to raise awareness about visual impairment in India is what led him on the marathon’s path, and he continues to stay on it. “I am raising funds for Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (MABVI), an association for the blind and visually impaired. They are one of the oldest associations and do some really good work to make it easier for the visually impaired people to become independent. I hope to bring back some of this learning to India,” says Sagar. The businessman who runs a flying import and export business of natural stones is also working with an NGO called CEGR that is involved in research to find solutions to genetically caused rare eye diseases and support to those affected, along with his doctor Rajani Battu.
The athlete in him continues to fight through. “I think I’m going to try my hand at blind cricket. It’s different from the cricket I have played for years. But I'm looking forward to learning this form,” he smiles, hoping to play a small part in changing the lives of the physically challenged people. “I want them believe in themselves and chase their dreams. And, for the society to become more inclusive,” he says, in conclusion.
