Determined 13-year-old girl from Secunderabad overcomes 45 fractures to pursue passion

Before Vijaya Deepika Gangapatnam was even born, scans showed multiple structural bone aberrations, specifically a condition referred to as Brittle Bone Disease. Her father stated that she is fragile like glass as she had 45 fractures at the age of 13.

Despite these challenges, her life story reflects resilience and determination as she defies fate to emerge as a prominent para table tennis player. In March, she made history by becoming the youngest medalist at the UTT Para Table Tennis National Championship held in Indore but also showcased her exceptional talent by winning silver in singles and bronze in doubles events.

Unlike typical teenagers, Vijaya couldn’t attend regular school due to her ongoing medical needs and the risk of further injury. Vijaya is homeschooled and developed an interest in sports after watching her elder brother Vijaytej, aged 20, play tennis and participate in tournaments. However, due to her Brittle Bone Disease, a simple fall for Vijaya doesn’t result in just minor injuries like a bruised knee or scraped elbow; it often leads to a fracture. Recognizing the risks, her father, Vijay Bhaskar Raju, introduced her to table tennis as a safer alternative at home.

“She suffered fractures even during the delivery as doctors didn’t know she was already suffering from the disease,” Vijaya’s father said, referring to her pre-birth scan that revealed fragile bones. He further added “Her body weight was on her hands. Now, she uses different wheelchairs at home and to play. While changing wheelchairs, she fell a few times and fractured her legs and hands. She slipped many times in the bath and broke her legs”

Aruna, Vijaya’s mother, remembers a particular incident when Vijaya fractured her bone while attempting to reach an upper berth on a train during their journey to one of Vijaytej’s tennis tournaments. Vijaya faced significant challenges in her early years due to fractures that necessitated hip and knee surgeries before she turned seven. These surgeries greatly impacted her mobility, making her reliant on assistance for various daily tasks. 

“We have to take care of her like glass,” her father stated. However, she finds solace in the unwavering support of her parents and brother, who ensure she receives an education at home. She stated her future plans and said  “My parents and brother are very supportive. They teach me at home. I plan to write my Class X exams through open school this year or next.”

While Vijaytej focused on tennis matches, Vijaya found her passion in table games. During a tournament in Indore, where she achieved the second position, her only loss was to Bhavina Patel, the silver medalist at the 2020 Paralympics. This experience has fueled Vijaya’s dream of representing India and securing a medal at the Paralympic Games.

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