Aaryan, a young adult with cerebral palsy, talks about his passion of playing boccia and representing Australia as an international competitor.
Aaryan Shah’s introduction to the sport of boccia began unexpectedly in his fifth year of primary school. What started as a casual suggestion from a teacher quickly turned into a passion that has taken him to international competitions and fueled his ambitions of representing Australia at the Paralympic Games.
“It was a really funny story actually,” Aaryan recalls about his first encounter with boccia. “My school teacher saw that there was a competition going on and thought I should enter it. A few friends and I went, not knowing what to expect. We had no idea how the game worked, but somehow, I made it to the next round.” That was just the beginning of Aaryan’s journey with the sport. Soon after, he was identified by coaches as an up-and-coming talent, leading to his involvement in junior squad camps. From that point on, boccia became a significant part of his life.
Boccia, a precision ball sport played by people with physical disabilities, involves significant skill, strategy, and focus. Aaryan describes the sport as being “like chess with a ball,” emphasizing the importance of tactics and mental preparation. “All the stuff that happens behind the line before you throw is crucial,” he explains. “Your arm speed, throwing technique, chair position, and body position all play a role. It’s not just about throwing the ball; it's about setting up your shots in a way that maximizes your chances.”
Aaryan’s journey through the sport hasn’t always been smooth. One of his pivotal experiences came in 2022, during his second international tournament. “I had some significant performance anxiety. I played pretty badly and literally thought I was never going to play for Australia again,” he shares. The weight of competing on such a high level became overwhelming. However, instead of giving up, Aaryan sought help. He began working with a sports psychologist, who helped him shift his mindset and reframe his approach to the game. This support enabled Aaryan to regain his confidence and continue improving.
One of the key changes Aaryan made was diversifying his throwing techniques. “I’m predominantly an overarm thrower, but I’ve been working on introducing underarm throws to address certain weaknesses,” he says. This adjustment allows him to better handle situations where the jack (the target ball) is placed closer to his position. This type of flexibility and adaptability is what keeps Aaryan evolving as an athlete.
Aaryan’s international experience has also shaped his perspective on the game. Competing against the best in the world offers unique challenges and learning opportunities. “When you’re playing internationally, you have to be on your game all the time. Even a small mistake can cost you,” he reflects. One of his standout moments came during a tournament in Chile, where he was leading 5-1 in a quarter-final match, only to lose in a tie-breaker after getting ahead of himself. “It was a tough lesson, but you learn a lot from these moments. You can never really switch off or get too far ahead in the game.”
Despite setbacks, Aaryan has set his sights on the future, with a clear goal in mind: representing Australia at the Paralympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028 and Brisbane in 2032. “I’m trying to get to LA and also Brisbane Paralympics. There’s going to be a lot of opportunities over the next eight years to improve and stake my claim,” he says. The journey to the Paralympics is long and demanding, with multiple international tournaments each year contributing to rankings and qualification. But Aaryan is committed to the process, balancing his training with his studies and work.
Aaryan’s involvement with boccia has also allowed him to connect with a supportive community, including the Cerebral Palsy Alliance. He trains at their facilities and has built relationships with coaches who are also part of the organisation. Beyond boccia, Aaryan participates in mentoring programs and advocacy initiatives with Cerebral Palsy Australia. Recently, he became a Steptember ambassador, representing the fundraising initiative at public events and sharing his story to motivate others.
Reflecting on his journey, Aaryan credits the sport for helping him grow both as an athlete and as a person. “Boccia has taught me a lot about perseverance, strategy, and self-awareness,” he says. As he continues to compete and advocate for people with cerebral palsy, Aaryan remains focused on his goals, determined to reach new heights in both his sporting career and personal development.
For more information about sports and recreation as a person with cerebral palsy, My CP Guide hosts a variety of information resources. Browse the Leisure & Recreation category on My CP Guide to find other relevant resources.