Sonika Sanju Kumar vividly remembers the first time she stepped onto the running track. With each rhythmic pound of her feet against the ground, she left behind the whispers of stigma that had followed her for years.
“The only place where I am not discriminated against is when I am on the running track,” she says, her voice filled with determination.
Born with HIV, Sonika faced more struggles due to societal prejudice than the physical challenges of her condition. But today, as an accomplished marathon runner, she is a beacon of resilience and hope, inspiring many others.
Her journey into sports began in 2009 when Elvis Joseph, a former national athlete, visited the Sneha Care Home, where Sonika lived, to introduce children to sports. It was through this visit that she learned about ‘Champion in Me’ — an initiative launched in 2009 by the Bangalore Schools Sports Foundation (BSSF) to support children living with HIV through the power of sports.
From Isolation to Inspiration
Growing up in a small town in Maharashtra, Sonika lost her parents at just one and a half years old. The discovery of her HIV status at the age of seven led to alienation.
“I was given a separate plate and tumbler. If I accidentally touched anyone, they would go and take a quick bath,” she recalls painfully. “When relatives visited, my grandfather made me sit under a tree in the backyard.”
Life changed for Sonika in 2010 when she moved to Bengaluru. “Elvis sir saw my potential and encouraged me to participate in ‘Champion in Me’,” she shares. “For the first time, I met others like me, and I felt a sense of belonging.”
Through rigorous training and mentorship, Sonika discovered her passion for running. The track became her sanctuary—a place where her strengths overshadowed her limitations. In 2018, she participated in the Kolkata Marathon, securing third place in the women’s category. Her medals now stand as a testament to her grit and perseverance.
Empowering Children with HIV
For Elvis Joseph, ‘Champion in Me’ is more than just a sports initiative; it is a movement.
“I saw a need for an empowering platform for children living with HIV,” says Elvis. “Sports build character and discipline, but more importantly, they break barriers.”
The programme integrates sports, education, and skill development to ensure holistic growth. Through annual sports meets, specialized training modules, and mentorship, it creates an inclusive environment where children can thrive.
Since its inception, the initiative has reached over 40,000 children, offering them not just the right to play but a stage to showcase their talents and rewrite societal narratives.
Competing Globally
Elvis has dedicated his life to identifying talent and placing them on the right platforms.
“We provide top-tier training and select promising athletes for marathons and competitions,” he explains. “This gives them the confidence to face the world.”
One such athlete is Manik Prabhu, who represented India at the International Children’s Games in the Netherlands in 2015. Born in North Karnataka, Manik grew up facing severe discrimination due to his HIV-positive status.
Joining ‘Champion in Me’ changed his life. Under Elvis’ mentorship, he honed his athletic skills and developed the confidence to compete. His proudest moment was wearing the Indian jersey on an international platform.
“I got the recognition I deserved, and sports created that opportunity for me,” Manik says. Over the years, he and other participants have competed in prestigious marathons in Boston, Colombo, and Bangkok, proving that HIV is no barrier to excellence.
Running Towards a Better Future
While Elvis continues to advocate for these young athletes, he urges the Government and corporate sector to step up.
“We’ve had support from Olympians and leaders, but with the Indian Government, it’s always a golden handshake,” he remarks.
To extend opportunities beyond sports, he introduced ‘The Rising 20s’, a second phase of the initiative focusing on skill development.
“We help these youth complete their education and acquire practical life skills to ensure they lead independent lives,” he explains. Many participants have successfully secured jobs and now live with dignity.
Looking ahead, Elvis is training Bharati, who is set to become the first HIV-positive person to compete in the Mount Everest Marathon this May.
“It’s a high-altitude run on rough terrain, but Bharati is determined,” he says proudly. “She’s doing this not just for herself, but to raise awareness for women like her.”
Sonika and Manik’s journeys are proof of the programme’s success. Through ‘Champion in Me’, they have found their passion and a sense of purpose. Their stories inspire hope and highlight the power of inclusive initiatives in transforming lives.
As Elvis and his team continue to champion change through sports, they remind us that with the right support, every child can rise above their circumstances and achieve greatness.