Cricketer who lifted Blind World Cup 2018 sells veggies in Ahmedabad

AHMEDABAD/SURAT: Naresh Tumda was amongst the playing 11 in Indian blind cricket team that lifted Blind World Cup on March 20, 2018 after chasing a challenging target of 308 runs set by Pakistan at Sharjah. Two years later, the cricketer's cup of woes has brimmeth over as Covid-19 crisis has forced him to sell vegetables at Jamalpur market in Ahmedabad.
Tumda, 29, from Vansda in Navsari, is responsible for feeding five people. Contrary to their expectations, government support has not been forthcoming in offering jobs for visually impaired cricketers. With daily wage jobs and Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act drying up following slowdown, he had no option but come to Ahmedabad to sell his vegetable produce.
“When Indian cricket team wins the World Cup, the government and corporations rain money on them. Are we lesser sportsmen because we are blind. Society should treat us equally,” says Tumda.
With the Covid-19 triggered slowdown, many professionals from other sectors too are turning to selling vegetables to make ends meet.
Jayesh Nayak, a choreographer who ran dance classes at two locations, had to give up his studio as paying rental became unaffordable. “I started off with a vegetable shop, where I accept orders and deliver them to nearby locations in Paldi. My students helped me with orders to kickstart the business. Even when I am able to reopen by dance class, I will retain this business for a steady source of income,” he says.
In Surat, Nirav Patel, a shiner in a diamond unit, turned to home delivery of vegetables after he lost his job paying Rs 25,000 per month. "People are wary of stepping out to buy produce fearing Corona which has helped my veggies-at-your-doorstep business," says Patel.
Music system provider Tejas Domadiya, who purchased Rs 10 lakh worth music system in January, was stuck with the investment as social distancing has brought the music rental business to a halt. He is also selling vegetables outside his warehouse. “This way, I can earn my daily expenses," he says.