ISLAMABAD: Dr Bakhtawar Kiani, a trailblazer from Pakistan, has the honour of being the first female visually-impaired Asian at the International Blind Sports Association (IBSA) World Games 2023 at the University of Birmingham.

Organised by the IBSA from Aug 18 to 27, the event showcases the resilience, determination and unwavering spirit of individuals overcoming adversities to pursue their passions.

Dr Bakhtawar’s journey is a testament to the human spirit’s indomitable will. As a young dental student, she earned a silver medal with three distinctions, displaying her academic prowess. Even though in her second year of dentistry, life took an unexpected turn when she began losing her eyesight due to Retinitis Pigmentosa.

Despite this formidable challenge, with unwavering support from her family, she redefined her path, transitioning to the development sector and later on to the public sector. Presently, she is pursuing an MBA in hospital service management while actively working in a private hospital.

Amidst her professional journey, a newfound passion ignited within Dr Bakhtawar - archery. Recognising the transformative power of this sport, especially for the visually impaired community, she embraced archery as a personal motivator.

Her belief that “if she can do it, anyone can” became the driving force behind her ambition to elevate this passion to an international stage, ultimately representing Pakistan.

Her uncle Ayaz Kiani, while talking to Dawn, said the road to the World Games 2023 was riddled with challenges, demanding Dr Bakhtawar to step out of her comfort zone and embrace growth.

“A crucial catalyst in her journey was the unwavering support of HBL, whose substantial contributions propelled her towards achieving her dream. Dr Bakhtawar’s aspirations also garnered the backing of prominent organisations such as the Al-Shifa Foundation of North America, Youth Impact and numerous individual contributors. These socially conscious entities recognised the potential for positive societal impact through nurturing high-potential individuals like Dr Bakhtawar,” he said.

“As the World Games 2023 unfolded in Birmingham, Dr Bakhtawar stands not only as an athlete but as an embodiment of courage, determination and the resilience of the human spirit. Her journey serves as an inspiration to individuals worldwide, highlighting the power of perseverance in surmounting challenges and transforming dreams into reality,” he said.

“This historic moment underscores the significance of fostering a society that nurtures and supports individuals of exceptional potential, paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future. Dr. Bakhtawar’s journey reminds us that every obstacle can be transformed into an opportunity, and that the human spirit knows no bounds when it comes to achieving greatness,” Mr Kiani said.

Published in Dawn, August 20th, 2023