When Sajesh M.V. sets off on a 10-km run during ‘Heart-walk Run,’ a charity event, in the city this weekend, it may well be the last time he would run using an artificial leg.
Probably the only amputee marathoner in the State, Sajesh, whose left leg was amputated below the knee following an accident in 2005, is set to receive a blade that will make it possible for him to run marathons professionally without having to worry about the wear and tear to his artificial leg.
Sajesh who had taken part in a marathon conducted by the Vascular Society of India in Kochi in September ended up receiving the offer of a blade, estimated to cost nearly ₹5 lakh, from the society.
Before the accident during his first-year B.Tech. Mechanical Engineering, the Kannur-native used to play sports like any other youngster. Even after the accident, it was nearly seven years before he decided to take part in one. He credits the change to an all-India group of amputees called Challenging Ones led by Kargil War veteran Devendra Pal Singh who lost one leg in the war.
His first marathon was in Kochi in 2015 when he ran a 5-km distance in 45 minutes. Though Sajesh’s father is an autorickshaw driver, he managed to put together enough money so that Sajesh could be fitted with a sophisticated artificial leg.
Though he has been using an artificial leg for over 11 years, it continues to put a strain on finances.
Contract
Sajesh’s contract at a government ITI as a lecturer came to an end recently.
Figuring on PSC lists, he is waiting for government recruitment.
Lack of trainers also prevents many amputees from participating in sporting activities, says Sajesh who trains on his own.
He hopes to receive the blade in a couple of days and expects to make his debut as a blade runner in marathons in Goa or Mangaluru or the Spice Coast marathon in Kochi next month.
He says he would be fully ready to run using the blade in time for the marathon at INA, Ezhimala, in December. He hopes the blade will enable him to play some badminton too.
