Sports for people with disabilities are powerful tools for redefining what is possible, and Mohammed Aasim’s journey stands as one of the most inspiring disability sports examples in recent years. Born with 90% physical disability, Aasim has never allowed his challenges to define him. Instead, through para swimming — one of the most demanding adaptive sports examples — he has rewritten the meaning of ability. His determination to compete at the 2026 Asian Para Swimming Championships in Japan and the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles reflects how inclusive sports empower individuals to pursue excellence. Stories like Aasim’s also highlight the importance of inclusive platforms and games for people with disabilities, which provide opportunities for confidence, visibility, and equal participation on the global stage.
Mohammed Aasim, a 90% disabled, is determined to win the Gold Medal at the 2026 para swimming Asian championship taking in Japan, and later to win the Gold Medal at the 2028 Summer Paralympics in Los Angeles, America. He is caressing a dream. To win the highest accolade in swimming at a Paralympic feat. He is determined to achieve it by rigorous and painful training, but above all with a steely will and wants to rewrite the meaning of ‘ability’.
Also known as Aasim Vellimanna, he was born in Kerala, India, without both arms. His right leg is stunted. With 90% physical disability, the 19-year-old has never let his challenges define him. Instead, he has rewritten the meaning of ‘ability’.His goals: Win the Gold Medal at the 2026 para swimming Asian championship taking place in Nagoya, Japan.Then, two years later: Win the Gold Medal at the 2028 Summer Paralympics in Los Angeles, America. How equipped is he to win these accolades? An exceptionally confident Aasim says he will reach his dreams, if the past history is any indication. Aasim was at the 7th AccessAbilities Expo, brought by Hayah International Skill Development and Empowerment for People of Determination Founder Ashitha Mohammed, and Hayah International Health N Wellness Founder Mr Mohammed Kalenchery.“I wanted to present Aasim with an exceptionally unique opportunity to participate in the Expo and get inspired to realize his great dreams,” said Ashitha, who is trying to get a UAE Golden Visa for Aasim.“Aasim is world Para Swim 7th position champion and has numerous achievements as a person of determination, and determination in the true sense,” she said.
Accolades and Achievements:
Aasim is the first Indian para swimmer to be ranked internationally in the S2 category (‘no hand or wrist flexion’). Currently, he ranks 10th globally.Best Sports Person State Award for excellence in the Disability sector. Instituted by the government of Kerala.UNCR Child Achiever Award at the occasion of the 25th Anniversary of UN Convention on the Rights of The Child (UNCRRC 1989) in recognition of his achievements amidst difficult situations in life. HRDS India Certificate of Appreciation for Excellence in Adventure in the ‘Believe in Yourself’ section.Certificate of Merit awarded by the XXIV National Para Swimming Championships, 2024-25 conducted by the Paralympic Committee of India, for achieving the First Prize in the 100 metre Free Style competition. Inspired Indian Foundation awarded him ‘Inspiring Indian Award 2018’ in recognition of his indomitable spirit while fighting for upgrading his school. International Children’s Peace Prize 2021 by the Kids Rights Foundation among the top three finalists of the International Children’s Peace Prize. The award is instituted to inspire the children to continue the courageous actions for a better world. For swimming across a stretch of the Periyar river, citing that it takes courage and perseverance to accomplish such a feat. “He was described as a symbol of hope for the differently abled. The citation said: “The record for swimming the maximum distance set by Muhammed Aasim. Being 90% disabled, he swam in the Periyar River on January 27, 2022 and covered 800 metres in 61 minutes and 9 seconds at the age of 15 years, 11 months and 26 days.” Asia Books of Records recognized him with the Asia Book of Records for the same feat.The award is instituted to inspire the children to continue the courageous actions for a better world.For swimming across a stretch of the Periyar river, citing that it takes courage and perseverance to accomplish such a feat.“He was described as a symbol of hope for the differently abled.The citation said: “The record for swimming the maximum distance set by Muhammed Aasim.Being 90% disabled, he swam in the Periyar River on January 27, 2022 and covered 800 metres in 61 minutes and 9 seconds at the age of 15 years, 11 months and 26 days.”Asia Books of Records recognized him with the Asia Book of Records for the same feat.
Q&A Section
1. What sports can people with disabilities play?
A: People with disabilities can participate in adaptive sports such as wheelchair basketball, para-athletics, swimming, seated volleyball, and inclusive team games.
2. What are the benefits of sports for people with disabilities?
A: Sports for people with disabilities improve physical strength, mental wellbeing, confidence, independence, and social inclusion through adaptive and inclusive sports activities.
3. Why are sports important for people with disabilities?
A: Sports promote accessibility, inclusion, equal participation, and empower people with disabilities to lead active and independent lives.
