Ayaz Bhuta
Ayaz Bhuta is a current Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby Athlete & a Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Gold Medalist from Bolton.
Ayaz was born with Robert's Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder which affects both upper and lower body limbs. Ayaz is 3ft 7 inches tall and weighs 45kg. Despite having spent most of his childhood and early teenage years in and out of hospital undergoing corrective procedures, Ayaz has always been a sports enthusiast and was always keen on taking part in sports. Being the only disabled student at his primary school was a challenge, as due to fears of health and safety, Ayaz’s sporting activity was limited, until one day when he showed real capability in participating in a playground football game which helped break down some barriers.
During his college years, Ayaz struggled to cope with his disability. During this period he was very inactive, became overweight and had little confidence. To help him overcome these issues, Ayaz started playing Wheelchair Basketball where his self-confidence improved over time. Wheelchair Basketball is a non-contact sport, something Ayaz never really grasped as he became accustomed to getting sent off pretty much every game!
Shortly after getting involved with Wheelchair Basketball Ayaz was scouted by Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby. To qualify to play Wheelchair Rugby the participant has to have an impairment in 3 or 4 limbs. It is also the only full contact Paralympic sport; something which caught Ayaz's attention. After several months of training, Ayaz was called up to represent GB in a Four Nations tournament in Australia. It was after this tournament that Ayaz was told that he probably wouldn't have a career internationally.
Despite this setback, Ayaz continued training and two years later he was selected for the GB Development team to compete at a tournament in Prague where he was named in the All Star team. After this, Ayaz was re-called into the GB Elite team and on his return tournament he was named in the All Star team. Since his return, Ayaz has become a double European Champion, competed at two World Championships (one where he was voted the Fan's Most Valuable Player) and competed in his first Paralympics in Rio 2016 and recently at Tokyo 2020. Ayaz won Gold at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics!
Ayaz's story is about resilience and to always believe in yourself in order to achieve your dreams. Outside of Wheelchair Rugby, Ayaz works as motivational speaker in schools and at community and corporate events.
Get in touch if you would like to book Ayaz.
Achievements
2020 Tokyo 2020 Paralympics Gold
2018 World Championships: 4th
2017 European Championships: Gold
2016 Paralympics (Rio): 5th
2015 European Championships: Gold
2014 World Championships: 5th
2013 European Championships: Bronze