Udalguri-Sonitpur, Sept 22: Assam para-athlete Sandhya Bhumij has brought laurels to Tezpur and Sonitpur district by winning a gold medal in the BC1 category at the Pilsen 2026 World Boccia Challenger in the Czech Republic.
The daughter of Madhav Bhumij and Dipa Bhumij of Tezpur, Sandhya represented the Boccia Sports Federation of India at the international competition held from September 7 to 15.
Sandhya’s journey in the sport began in Tezpur. In 2023, she came into contact with Edupur Foundation Director Amit Raj Konwar, president and retired Army Captain Lohit Chandra Bhuyan and chief adviser Deep Kumar Kalita. Recognising her sporting talent and interest, Konwar took responsibility for her training and guidance.
Along with Sandhya, seven other promising para-athletes from Sonitpur were identified and provided regular morning training at the Tezpur Collegiate Field. The eight athletes later represented Sonitpur at the 3rd All Assam Para Sports Meet at Sarusajai Stadium in Guwahati in 2023. Sonitpur won nine medals, with Sandhya securing the first gold medal of her sporting career.
She continued her success in the following years. In 2024, Sandhya won gold at the 1st North East Para Sports Meet at Sarusajai Stadium. In 2025, she won gold at the 9th Boccia India National Championship in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, paving the way for her entry onto the international stage.
Her latest triumph at the Pilsen 2026 World Boccia Challenger, where she clinched gold in the BC1 category, marked the biggest achievement of her sporting career so far. Her international success representing India brought pride to Tezpur, Sonitpur and Assam.
Following her achievement, members of the Edupur Foundation visited Sandhya at her residence on Sunday and felicitated her for her performance.
Her success has also highlighted the need for greater opportunities, systematic training and continued support for para-athletes. The Edupur Foundation expressed hope that her journey from Tezpur’s local sporting field to the international arena would inspire other emerging para-athletes from Tezpur and Sonitpur.
