Being heroes in battle does not suffice for six veterans as they prepare for another mission to prove their mettle
Being heroes in battle does not suffice for six veterans as they prepare for another mission to prove u00a0their mettle
The Mumbai Marathon on Sunday is sure to warm the hearts of every able bodied individual and be a source of inspiration for the entire nation.
The marathon this year will not only see the usual run-of-the mill participants, but also six paraplegic soldiers from Pune will be participating.
Though confined to wheelchairs, the six heroes have never given up on self-confidence and focus on participating in the marathon as a mission they otherwise would never have been able to take on.
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MiD DAY profiles the six soldiers participating in the 2.5-kilometer wheelchair event of the Mumbai Marathon 2011.
All ex-service men have suffered spinal injuries and have been confined to wheelchairs and hence have been retired from service.
Sepoy K N Reddy (35),
Joined Army on February 23, 1994
Incident: Road accident during field firing on November 18, 1997
Strong point: Participated at National Level in games for disabled and won 20 gold, 10 silver and 5 bronze in events such as shot put, discus, javelin throw, wheelchair race and wheelchair basketball. Secured 4th position in the wheelchair event at Pune Marathon in 2004. Won gold and silver medals for swimming at national level and represented India at FESPIC Games in Busan, South Korea in 2002, winning bronze in the shot put event. Also represented India at Kula Lumpur, Malaysia in 2006 for the wheelchair basketball matches.
On Mumbai Marathon: "I am excited to be taking part in the Mumbai Marathon as I have taken part in it earlier, and I am quite confident of bagging an award."
Lars Naik Prem Singh (43),
Joined Army on August 28, 1986
Incident: Fall from Kraz vehicle on August 28
Strong point: Participated in games for disabled at national Level and won 25 gold, 15 silver and 10 bronze in shot put, discus, javelin throw, wheelchair race and wheelchair basketball. Secured 1st position in wheelchair event at Pune Marathon in 2003 and silver and bronze there after. Also participated in wheelchair tennis event in May 2010. "I have represented India at International level in wheelchair games and have been to Busan, South Korea for the FESPIC Games in 2002 and represented India at Kula Lumpur, Malaysia in 2006 for wheelchair basket ball.
On Mumbai Marathon: "I am taking part in the Mumbai Marathon for the first time, but I have taken part in other sports events in Mumbai."
Seepoy Laxman Salunke (30),
Joined Army on April 7, 1999
Incident: Road accident on June 30, 2002
Strong point: Participated in wheelchair event at Pune Marathon and secured 6th place. Has also participated in wheelchair throw ball at national level where team secured 2nd place.
On Mumbai Marathon: "I had taken part in Pune marathon last year and came fifth. I have been practicing by covering 12 Kilometers per day and am confident of winning Mumbai marathon."
Paratrooper Amol Boriwale (28),
Joined Army on January 17, 2006
Incident:u00a0 Landmine blast in J&K on December 31, 2006
Strong point: Participated in games for disabled at national level and won 15 gold, 4 silver and 1 bronze in wheelchair archery. Secured 1st place in wheelchair event in Pune Marathon in 2008 and 2009.
On Mumbai Marathon: "I have been eagerly waiting for the Mumbai marathon for the last two years. I was unable to participate last year due to late entry. I know the competition will be tough since there are many good wheelchair athletes participating, but I am fully prepared to take them on."
Naik Phool Singhu00a0 (25),
Joined Army on Feb 5, 1986
Incident:u00a0 Ambush in J&K on December 31, 2006
Strong point: Participated in Pune Marathon in 2003. Represented India in international and national levels and several other meets.
On Mumbai Marathon: "My excitement is causing sleepless nights. I have come to Mumbai earlier, but this time it is a different feeling since I am here to take part in the Mumbai Marathon. My family is praying for me to win the race and I don't want to disappoint them."
Rifleman N S Thapa (34),u00a0u00a0
Joined Army on April 14, 1995
Incident:u00a0 Road accident in February 2000
Strong point: Participated in games for disabled at national level and won 10 gold 5 silver, and 3 bronze in shot put, javelin throw and wheelchair race. Secured 3rd place in 100mtr race at national level in Bangalore. Has also secured 5th place in wheelchair event in Pune Marathon in 2004. Won silver and bronze for swimming at national level.
On Mumbai Marathon: "I will be participating in Mumbai Marathon for the very first time and am quite excited about it. I will reach Mumbai on Saturday evening and promise to give it my best."
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