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Bedford man and Royal Navy submariner, Nisar Utmanzai, has been chosen to be part of Team UK at the Invictus Games in Canada in 2025. This edition of the games will mark the first time that winter sports are included.
Nisar's Journey to Selection
In collaboration with the Ministry of Defence (MOD), the Royal British Legion (RBL) recently announced a 64-strong team of wounded, injured, and sick serving personnel and veterans who will compete in skiing and wheelchair rugby. Nisar Utmansai is among these dedicated individuals.
Nisar's path to becoming a Royal Navy submariner began with a fortuitous encounter with a recruitment billboard in Bedford that encouraged Muslims to join the Royal Navy. Inspired by this message, Nisar, who had completed his studies in Mechanical Engineering and Electronics, applied for the role. Demonstrating his determination, he even learned to swim to qualify as a Weapons Engineer Submariner, responsible for maintaining the firepower and defensive technologies of Royal Navy submarines.
A Life-Changing Incident
However, shortly after arriving at HMS Raleigh, Nisar experienced a rare brain bleed that left him in a coma for several days. Despite facing challenges with balance, coordination, and speech, Nisar's resilience shone through as he fought his way back and resumed his duties with the Navy.
A New Challenge and a New Opportunity
Encouraged by his Recovery Officer, Nisar applied to join Team UK for the Invictus Games. “My hand-eye coordination has been massively degraded since the injury, and that is one of the main things I want to improve,” said Nisar. “The Games will help to prove to both myself and the Navy that I am an asset, despite the setbacks I’ve endured.”
Nisar's selection is a testament to his perseverance. “It is unreal to have been selected. I didn’t take it in at first, it’s fantastic, and now I’m really looking forward to it,” he added.
The Invictus Games: A Beacon of Hope and Recovery
Founded in 2014 by Prince Harry, the Invictus Games are an international adaptive multi-sport event for wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women. Both serving personnel and veterans participate as part of their recovery journey. The Games highlight the therapeutic power of sport in inspiring recovery and supporting rehabilitation, showcasing the resilience and fortitude of military personnel and their families.
The aim is also to foster respect and understanding for those with disabilities and for those who serve or have served their country. “For the selected individuals, being part of a team again, representing their country, and being around others who are all on their individual recovery pathway is what makes Team UK’s journey to the Invictus Games so unique,” explained Louise Assioun, RBL’s Team UK Manager. “The Royal British Legion is proud to support them every step of the way.”
Comprehensive Support from the Royal British Legion
While the Royal British Legion is renowned for supporting veterans of the Second World War, the charity is equally committed to aiding younger veterans from recent conflicts through their recovery journey. Access to adaptive sports and participation in the Invictus Games is just one facet of the RBL’s comprehensive support. The organisation also offers adventurous training and theatre and art programs to assist individuals in their recovery.
The RBL’s Battle Back Centre employs adaptive sports and adventure activities to bolster confidence and positively impact mental health and wellbeing, aiding individuals in achieving their best possible recovery—whether they return to service duty or transition to civilian life.
The Road Ahead
The Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 will take place from 8-16 February, presenting a new chapter in Nisar Utmansai’s extraordinary story of courage and determination. As he prepares to represent the United Kingdom, Nisar not only embodies the spirit of the Invictus Games but also serves as a beacon of hope and resilience for many.
