Overlooked Chaiti Rani Dev Brings Bangladesh Historic Para Gold

For years, Chaiti Rani Dev was noticed not for her talent, but for her stature. As she grew older, her parents began to worry. Unlike other children, her height stopped increasing; her arms and legs remained small. Doctors eventually confirmed what the family feared—Chaiti had dwarfism. What once seemed a limitation, however, has now become part of an extraordinary journey of resilience, discipline, and triumph.

Today, the 13-year-old from Bhunbir village in Sreemangal, Moulvibazar, has etched her name into Bangladesh’s sporting history. Chaiti has won two gold medals at the Asian Youth Para Games 2025 in Dubai, delivering the country’s first-ever gold medal at the continental youth para level.

Standing just 3 feet 7 inches tall, Chaiti competed in javelin throw and the 100-metre sprint, claiming gold in both events. The Games, which began on 7 December and conclude on 14 December, brought together young para-athletes from across Asia. Her achievement was confirmed from Dubai by Sharmin Farhana Chowdhury, Founder and Chief Executive of Sports for Hope and Independence (SHI).

A student of Class Eight at Bhunbir Dasarath High School and College, Chaiti was once known in her village only for her physical difference. Her athletic potential remained hidden until SHI volunteers noticed her during a local sports event. What followed was a transformation—not only in her sporting life, but in how her community views her. Today, neighbours visit her home with pride, teachers encourage her relentlessly, and at school she is nothing short of a star.

Chaiti trained for a month at the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP) in Savar ahead of the Games. BKSP’s head coach Mehedi Hasan praised her commitment, noting that even basic equipment was hard to source. “We could not find a 400-gram javelin suitable for her, so we had one custom-made,” he said. “Chaiti is sincere, focused, and determined to achieve something meaningful.”

Her success did not come out of nowhere. In October, she had already announced her arrival by winning the 100 metres at the National Youth Para Games, organised by the National Paralympic Committee of Bangladesh.

For her mother Shilu Rani Dev, the journey has been emotional. “There was a time when I worried constantly about her future,” she said. “I never imagined my daughter would travel abroad and win gold for the country. I want her to be independent, confident, and able to stand on her own feet.”

Chaiti herself dreams far beyond medals. She wants to continue in sport, complete her education, and one day become a doctor. Those who know her believe she will succeed—because she has already shown that height does not define greatness; dreams do.

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