The 100 per cent blind athlete, who is based in Borivli, has won several national medals in para judo competitions. He is now looking forward to carving a niche internationally, climbing the rungs of the ladder to hopefully sporting success
Support on his judo journey from Dr Rajesh Mayekar who has stood like a rock with him throughout (right) Lifting strong with Darshan Kamble at the housing society gym in Borivli. PICS/NIMESH DAVE
This paper’s front-page report about a blind judo player set to represent India in a forthcoming international judo tourney in Giza, Egypt, is a story of hope and determination. The 100 per cent blind athlete, who is based in Borivli, has won several national medals in para judo competitions. He is now looking forward to carving a niche internationally, climbing the rungs of the ladder to hopefully sporting success. His dream is the Paralympics to compete in Los Angeles in 2028. Yet, for that, he needs to compete internationally before he makes that leap for the ultimate prize.
The athlete’s story has ambition, but it also has adversity. He had been running from pillar to post to raise the Rs 2,50,000-odd needed for Egypt to cover all expenses. So it is with other tourneys too. Judoka, as judo players are called, struggle to raise money to compete abroad, after selection by judo bodies. The report stated that some sort of structured help from the government for these para-athletes will make their journey easier.
We need the state government to respond and give athletes who aspire to compete on the big stage some kind of financial support. They can then concentrate solely on their training, preparing both mentally and physically, for the big day. Running around for sponsorships, having to prove one’s disability, and seeking help from different people also chips away at their dignity and pride. We need help flowing in at lower levels when an athlete is trying to break into the top tier internationally, rather than rewards coming in only after some international success. The government needs to finance the athlete once selected to represent the country. India has done well at the Paralympics, and we are proud of the differently abled warriors who have brought glory to the nation. With pride, take away the pain of them having to appeal for funds.
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