When Bengaluru-based Dilip Kumar started playing wheelchair-tennis three years ago, the 29-year-old had to overcome numerous hurdles before he could make a mark in the national team. From finding the right training facility to getting sponsorship to participate in international events. But, this is a story of not just Mr. Kumar; most para-athletes have had to deal with prejudices and apathy.
Mr. Kumar, along with Shiva Prasad, an international wheelchair-tennis player, and four other para-sports players, wanted to bring a change in this scenario. They started a not-for-profit organisation called Divyaang Myithri Sports Academy (DMSA) in Bengaluru.
Wheelchair cricket
The academy took a big step this April when they introduced wheelchair cricket in Karnataka. “The game, though popular in north India, is not played here. We selected and trained 15 players who represented Karnataka in a one-day tournament that had teams from Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh. In October, we will be hosting another championship with teams from 12 States,” said Mr. Prasad, managing trustee of the academy, who is ranked No. 2 in wheelchair tennis in the country.
Still in a nascent stage, the academy plans to offer training in wheelchair tennis and other para-sports, including basketball, swimming, cycling and badminton. “We have been training a few wheelchair tennis and wheelchair basketball players in the city. In the coming days, we will be reaching out to more,” he said.
Self-funded
Funding is a challenge. “We don't get much help from the government or the corporates. The wheelchair tennis team plays with the most basic kind of modified wheelchair, which in comparison to the ones used by international teams, is not easy to manoeuvre. We don’t have disabled-friendly facilities for practice. We don’t want young, upcoming players to go through the same problems,” said Mr. Kumar.
As of now, members are generating the funds. “We pool in money every month to support the cause. We also plan to start a green initiative, where we will be joining hands with NGOs to promote plant adoption across the State. A person can adopt a plant by paying a small amount and we will take care of it. They will not only be supporting the green project, but also help a para-athelete,” said Mr. Prasad.