Today's Paper » NATIONAL » KERALA September 13, 2011 Victory in spite of all odds U. Hiran Neeraj George Baby Neeraj George Baby
Neeraj George Baby is known for his quick reflexes and swift movements on the badminton court. He covers the court with the ease of an aerobic ace and smashes the shuttlecock into the opponent's turf at a fiery pace. This 24-year-old differently-abled player has worked up a real appetite to excel in this high energy sport. And through fierce dedication and painstaking hard work, he has put his skills much ahead of the challenges he faces to triumph over all odds. Neeraj, whose life took a shocking turn when his left leg had to be amputated because of bone tumour during school days, is the first player from Kerala to win an international level badminton championship for the differently-abled. He won the silver in the doubles category at the 2007 All India Super Six Badminton Tournament for the Physically Challenged and the Sixth National Championship the same year. He also clinched a gold in doubles and silver in singles at the 2008 Asian Paralympics Cup and also secured titles in the National level tournaments held at Bellari and Bangalore last year. The victories have only strengthened his resolve. However, his preparation and performance have been affected by the lack of financial assistance. Having qualified for the 19th Para-badminton World Championships to be held in Guatemala in November, this prospective medal winner from Aluva is now in search of a corporate sponsor who can fetch him Rs. 1.7 lakh to appear for the competition. No financial support So far, the efforts by this bronze medal winner in last year's International Open Paralympics Badminton Championship have yielded no results. Though a bit disappointed over being ignored by the government, other private sponsors and more importantly by the public, his confidence is not shaken. “This is for the third time that I have qualified for the world championships. But I am yet to appear in the tournament. This year, I cannot afford to miss the event as that may spell the end of my career,” says Neeraj, who is also looking at the possibility of receiving government funds. He also notes the vast difference between the systems in India and developed countries that support and encourage their physically challenged sportspersons. “The respective government agencies in these countries work closely with the players to ensure that they get adequate funds and support in all respects, including training, infrastructure and equipments,” says Neeraj. To support his fight for the recognition of physically challenged sportsmen, Neeraj is now planning to form an association of Para-badminton players, which, he believes, will help in addressing their collective concerns. In his view, physically challenged sportspersons have remained on the periphery for far too long and there is a need for the government and corporate bodies to pitch in and support their activities. He also appeals to the public to shed their orientation towards the able physique that often tends to expunge these real stories of raw talent and come to see their matches. “Please do watch our matches and support us. We can run around the court like any normal player and we do not give up like any professional player'', exhorts Neeraj, who looks forward to pursuing a career in professional badminton. Source: http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/article2448862.ece Comments to : web.thehi...@thehindu.co.in Copyright © 2011, The Hindu Search for old postings at: http://www.mail-archive.com/accessindia@accessindia.org.in/ To unsubscribe send a message to accessindia-requ...@accessindia.org.in with the subject unsubscribe. To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, please visit the list home page at http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.in
