Sonika Sanju Kumar vividly remembers the first time she stepped onto the running track. The rhythmic pounding of her feet against the ground drowned out the whispers of the 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, the ill-treatment due to the stigma surrounding the virus tormented Sonika more than the physical challenges of the condition. But today, as an accomplished marathon runner, she embodies resilience and hope, inspiring many others.
Sonia’s journey into sports began in 2009, when Elvis Joseph came to the Sneha Care Home, where Sonika stayed, to teach sports to the children. This association led her to know about the flagship event — ‘Champion in Me’.
The sports championship started in 2009 by the Bangalore Schools Sports Foundation (BSSF), and spearheaded by Elvis Joseph, became a turning point for Sonia, and many other children living with HIV.
From isolation to inspiration
Growing up in a small town in Maharashtra, Sonika lost her parents when she was one-and-a-half years old. “Nobody knew I was HIV-positive until I was seven years old,” she recalls.
“I was given a separate plate and tumbler. If I accidentally touched anyone, they would go and take a quick bath,” she shares, highlighting her deeply distressing childhood. “If any relatives came to our house, my grandfather used to ask me to sit under a tree in the backyard.”
Things began to change when she moved to Bengaluru in 2010. “Elvis sir used to come to my school to teach sports, and he identified my talent and potential,” she says.
“When I participated in ‘Champion in Me’ for the first time, I was really happy to see other people like me,” she recalls with joy. Through structured training and mentorship, Sonika discovered a passion for running she never knew existed.
The track became her sanctuary — a place where she could focus on her strengths rather than her limitations. Having participated in the Kolkata marathon in 2018 and securing third place in the women’s category, her medals stand as a testament to her grit and determination.
Empowering children with HIV
‘Champion in Me’ is more than just a sports initiative; it’s a movement, says Elvis. “The idea for ‘Champion in Me’ emerged when I recognised the need for an empowering platform for children living with HIV.” The programme integrates sports, education, and skill development to foster holistic growth.
Through annual sports meets, customised training modules, and mentorship, the initiative creates an inclusive environment where participants can thrive. By focusing on eradicating stigma and promoting equality, ‘Champion in Me’ aims to bring these children into mainstream sports and empower them to compete at state, national, and international levels.
Since its inception, the programme has reached thousands of children, offering them not just the right to play but also a platform to showcase their talents and rewrite societal narratives. “Sports build character and discipline in an individual. This helps them as well,” emphasises Elvis.
A national athlete himself, Elvis believes in the transformative power of sports, and as the founder of BSSF, he has dedicated his life to creating opportunities for marginalised children.
Till date, his initiative has transformed the lives of over 40,000 youth in and around Karnataka.
“We aim to expand the programme’s reach to one million children and youth living with HIV globally, fostering inclusion and empowerment on an unprecedented scale,” he says.
Competing globally
Elvis has been able to identify talents and showcase them on the right platforms. “We provide good training for these children and select them for marathons and other competitions. This gives them the opportunity to face the world with confidence,” shares Elvis.
Manik Prabhu’s journey to representing India in the International Children’s Games in 2015 in the Netherlands was one of persistence and triumph. Growing up in North Karnataka, Manik faced societal ostracisation and isolation due to his HIV-positive status. However, his life took a transformative turn when he joined the ‘Champion in Me’ programme.
Under Elvis’ mentorship, Manik discovered his talent for athletics and worked tirelessly to hone his skills. The training sessions and encouragement from his peers provided him the confidence to compete, culminating in the proud moment when he represented India on an international platform. “I got the recognition I deserved, and sports created that opportunity for me,” says Manik.
Over the years, Manik and other participants have competed in the Boston, Colombo, Bangkok, and other state-level marathons, earning recognition for their endurance and spirit. Through sports, Manik not only built his physical strength but also found a sense of belonging and hope for the future.
“I am leading a happy and normal life, and that is completely because of the sport I play,” he says.
From its humble beginnings with 20 participants in 2009, ‘Champion in Me’ has grown exponentially, hosting annual sports meets and enabling children to compete in prestigious marathons worldwide. Notably, children from the programme have participated in international events like the Phuket International Marathon and the Jerusalem Marathon, breaking stereotypes and proving that HIV is no barrier to excellence.
Beyond sports, the initiative has had a profound social impact. By fostering inclusivity and challenging misconceptions, it has created a ripple effect of awareness and advocacy. Testimonials from families and children emphasise the transformative role of the programme in building self-esteem, resilience, and a sense of community.
Running towards a better future
While Elvis continues to do his part for the youth, he urges the Government and corporate entities to step up. “We have had big leaders and Olympians supporting our cause, but with the Indian Government, it is always a golden handshake,” says Elvis.
To address the challenges beyond sports, Elvis introduced ‘The Rising 20s,’ a second phase of the initiative. “We take the youth in their 20s and provide them with skills required to be independent in society,” he shares. This includes ensuring they finish college and teaching them practical life skills. The programme has successfully enabled many of these youth to secure jobs and live with dignity.
Looking ahead, Elvis is training Bharati to compete in the Mount Everest marathon this May. “This marathon is a high-altitude run, and it’s rough terrain. Bharati will be the first HIV-positive person to participate in that marathon,” shares Elvis proudly.
“Bharati is doing this marathon not just for herself but to voice the needs of women like her,” he adds, emphasising the broader advocacy behind such competitions.
Sonika and Manik’s stories are living proof of the programme’s success. Through ‘Champion in Me’, they’ve not only found their passion for running but also a sense of purpose and pride. Their journeys inspire hope and underscore the importance of inclusive initiatives that empower marginalised communities.
As Elvis Joseph 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.
Edited by Arunava Banerjee; All images courtesy Elvis Joseph
