Campaign Ambassador - Gobi Ranganathan

Name: Gobi Ranganathan

Sports/Activities: Swimming, Para Badminton

Locality: Stevenage

My sporting journey began in the pool where I enjoyed competing in swimming at a national level, but then I discovered a new passion in playing Para Badminton. Moving from one sport to another wasn’t always easy, but it opened opportunities I never imagined, including competing internationally. Sport has always given me structure, purpose and pride, but living with Spina Bifilda has meant managing my health carefully while still pushing myself to achieve at the highest level.

Along the way, I faced challenges that tested both my body and my commitment. One of the toughest periods was recovering from open-heart surgery, which forced me to step back, rebuild and essentially start from the beginning. Funding was another barrier, as the costs of training, travel and competition added up quickly, but I wasn’t alone. Herts Sports Partnership, Stevenage Community Trust, Herts Sports Village and my family all supported me through the difficult moments. Key coaches also played a huge part in guiding me, believing in my potential and helping me adapt my training when things became tough.

To keep performing at the level I wanted, I had to make big sacrifices. I adjusted my schedule around work, committed extra hours to training and often missed social events so I could stay focused. Balancing everything wasn’t simple, but every decision helped me grow stronger, both physically and mentally. Looking ahead, I do see retirement somewhere in my future, but not anytime soon. For now, I’m determined to keep competing, keep improving and keep representing Para Badminton at the highest level. I want my journey to show others that setbacks don’t define you; how you respond to them does.