Malkangiri: How can a visually-challenged person play football? This question often sparks curiosity, but for Akash Padiami, a young footballer from Malkangiri district’s Kusubada village, the answer lies in his unwavering passion and determination.
Akash has brought immense pride to his region by earning a coveted spot in the national blind football team, inspiring countless other visually-challenged youths with his remarkable journey.
Ommcom News brings you the inspiring tale of resilience and determination of Akash who has overcome the challenges of being visually impaired to shine bright in the world of blind football.
Born to Dula Padiami and Muke Padiami, Akash’s journey is an inspiration to many, showcasing his unwavering passion for football despite being visually impaired.
Akash’s football career began to flourish during his school days at Ramakrishna Mission Ashram School in Rayagada district. His impressive performance on the field earned him recognition, and he continued to hone his skills at Ravenshaw College. The young athlete’s dedication and talent caught the attention of the Odisha Blind Association, where officials Ashish Kumar Sahu and Trilochan Beura encouraged him to pursue his dreams.
Akash’s hard work paid off when he represented Odisha in various national and zonal-level football matches. His notable performances in Jamshedpur, Pune, and Gwalior showcased his skills, and he is now set to participate in a national-level football match in Assam.
Recalling his journey, Akash said, “As I reflect on my journey, I realize that my passion for sports has been the driving force behind my success. During my college days at Ravenshaw University, I was an ordinary student, often feeling like I didn’t stand out. But I was determined to find my place and showcase my talents. That’s when I discovered my love for football and cricket. I threw myself into every sports event and match, playing with all my heart and passion. My dedication paid off, and I soon found myself captaining teams and winning matches. It was exhilarating to see my hard work translate into success on the field.”
He continued: “The turning point in my journey came when I received an invitation from the Odisha Blind Football Association, courtesy of Ashish Kumar Sahoo and Trilochan Beura. They saw something in me that I didn’t even see in myself at the time. With their guidance and support, I began my journey in the world of blind football.”
Talking about his major tournaments, he said, “My first major tournament was the IBFF Zonal Tournament in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, where we emerged champions. I was honored to be named the Best Goalkeeper in that tournament. Since then, I’ve played in numerous national and zonal-level matches, including the 7th Edition National Cup, where we reached the semi-finals. Recently, I’ve had the opportunity to play in Maharashtra, Pune, Madhya Pradesh, and Assam. These experiences have not only honed my skills but also taught me the value of teamwork and perseverance. One of the highlights of my journey so far has been the opportunity to be part of the Three Two One Heroes Team, Kerala, for the National Blind Football League Season-1 2025 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. I’m grateful to Ashish Kumar Sahoo for believing in me and giving me this chance. As I look back on my journey, I’m reminded that it’s not about being ordinary or extraordinary; it’s about pursuing your passion with dedication and heart.”
The young footballer’s achievement has brought pride to his family, community, and district. His story serves as a beacon of hope for others, demonstrating that with determination and support, anyone can overcome challenges and achieve greatness. As Akash prepares to take the national and international football stage by storm, the people of Malkangiri district wish him all the best for his future endeavors.
