Ayaz Bhuta: The champion who never stops moving

For Ayaz Bhuta, sport has always been more than just a game – it’s been a way to prove to himself and the world that anything is possible. From being the smallest player on the court to standing on top of the Paralympic podium, his journey is nothing short of inspiring. But what happens when the final whistle blows?

You’ll never be strong enough

Growing up, Ayaz faced challenges that could have easily held him back. Born with Roberts Syndrome, a condition that affects his growth and mobility, he was often told that sport wasn’t for him. “People would say I wouldn’t be strong enough, fast enough, or big enough to play competitively,” he recalls.

Rising to the top

Wheelchair rugby was tough, fast and brutal – but Ayaz loved every second of it. Despite being one of the smallest players, he made up for it with his speed, skill and fierce determination.

After years of relentless training, he earned a spot on the Great Britain squad. It was a dream come true. “To represent my country at the highest level – it was unbelievable,” he says.

But his greatest moment came at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. The stakes were high – no British team had ever won a Paralympic medal in wheelchair rugby. Against the odds, Ayaz and his teammates fought their way to the gold medal match, facing the USA in an intense battle.

“When that final whistle blew and we knew we’d won gold, I couldn’t believe it. We made history,” he says, the emotion still fresh in his voice. “That medal wasn’t just for us – it was for everyone who had ever been told they couldn’t.”

The hardest part? Getting there

Winning gold is one thing. The journey to get there? That’s the real test. For Ayaz, becoming a world-class athlete meant making huge sacrifices.

“People see the medals and the success, but they don’t always see the hard work behind it,” he says. “The early mornings, the endless training sessions, the moments were you doubt yourself – it’s all part of the process.”

“To represent my country at the highest level – it was unbelievable

Ayaz dedicated years of his life to training, balancing intense gym work with tactical drills, skill development and team strategy sessions. “It’s not just about strength – it’s about how you think, how you move, how you react under pressure,” he explains.

And it wasn’t just physical. The mental side of elite sport was just as demanding. “There were times I wanted to quit. Times I questioned if I was good enough,” he admits.

And it wasn’t just physical. The mental side of elite sport was just as demanding. “There were times I wanted to quit. Times I questioned if I was good enough,” he admits. "But every time I got knocked down - literally and mentally - I got back up."

The silence after the storm

After reaching the pinnacle of his career, Ayaz faced a new challenge… retirement. He had spent years pushing himself to be the best, training every day, competing on the world stage. And then, suddenly, it stopped.

“There was this silence,” he admits. “I’d spent my whole life training, travelling, competing –and now it was just… gone. I didn’t know what to do with myself.”

It was a tough transition. Many athletes struggle after retiring, and Ayaz was no exception. But instead of staying stuck in that silence, he made a decision - he was going to use his experiences to help others.

A new mission: Inspiring the next generation

Now, Ayaz has taken his passion off the court and into the world. He works part-time for a disability charity, using his platform to support disabled people and promote inclusion. But that’s not all.

“I started doing school visits, motivational talks, speaking to businesses – sharing my journey and helping others find confidence in themselves,” he says. “I wanted to show young people, especially those with disabilities, that they can achieve incredible things.”

And he hasn’t left the sport behind. As a coach for the GB wheelchair rugby talent squad, he’s now training the next generation of athletes, helping them chase their own dreams.

“I know what it’s like to be doubted. To feel like the odds are stacked against you,” he says. “But I also know that with the right mindset, support, and determination, you can do anything.”

What’s next?

With a schedule packed with coaching, advocacy, and motivational speaking, Ayaz is busier than ever. His mission? To make sure no young person – disabled or not – feels like they have to sit on the sidelines.

His advice to anyone facing challenges? “Believe in yourself. Keep pushing. Keep moving. You are capable of amazing things.”