Toman Kumar Taram’s story shows how a soldier can turn a life‑changing injury into world‑class sport success. From losing a foot on an IED blast to standing on the podium, his journey inspires anyone facing setbacks.

In February 2022, while serving with the CRPF’s CoBRA unit, Toman stepped on an improvised explosive device during an operation in Lohardaga, Jharkhand. The blast cost him his left foot and required a month of hospital treatment in Ranchi. He later described the incident as a turning point in his life.

After the injury, he was transferred to the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities in Hyderabad, where he received a prosthetic foot. There he met coach Pankaj Singh, who introduced him to archery. Although standing on the prosthetic made balance difficult at first, Toman persisted and gradually mastered the sport.

Toman’s hard work paid off quickly. He won individual gold at the 2025 World Para Archery Championships in South Korea and collected several other international medals. On 22 October 2026, he and Sheetal Devi captured gold in the mixed team compound event at the Asian Para Games in Nagoya, Japan.

After each victory, Toman dedicated his medals to his late friend Rajesh Kumar and to his family, who supported him throughout his recovery. His story proves that determination and disciplined training can transform a battlefield trauma into a champion’s triumph.