Winnipeg soccer player headed to Peru for big international tournament for little people

Vivek Bhagria has his sights set on gold as he prepares to represent Canada at a prestigious international soccer tournament in South America.

He'll be the only Manitoban at the Copa America de Talla Baja, which roughly translates to the Americas Cup for Little People, in Lima, Peru this month.

"It's going to be a great experience to play against people your own size, represent your country, I just feel really honoured to be selected for Canada," said Bhagria.

He competed in the annual indoor event in 2019 in Argentina, where the North American team placed fourth of nine. The tournament then went on a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic.

Now, he'll go shoulder to shoulder with the best players from Canada and the United States against top talent from Mexico, Morocco and all over South America.

"We wish to bring gold back home," he said. 

At four-foot-one, Bhagria said he has faced obstacles getting to this place — including bullying from his peers. Now, the 27-year-old said he's eager to show off his talents again on a world stage, and show what's possible for anyone with dwarfism. 

"You can do anything in life, as long as you try and you keep going at it, no one's going to stop you and life goes on, you just keep going and touch the sky," he said.

Bhagria has achondroplasia — a condition that stops his legs and arms from growing. The Winnipegger, whose family is originally from India, began playing soccer at five years old. 

He quickly discovered a love of the sport and possessed a natural skill, but there was no one else that matched him.

"I grew up with taller people and I didn't get the chance to be on the same level of skill and compete against people my own size, same ability, same legs same power, same accuracy …