Translating promise to results

Differently abled athletes, K. Ganesan, S. Manoj and A. Selvaraj, have returned with bagful of medals from the Seventh World Dwarf Games recently held in Canada. But why isn’t the spotlight on them?

August 23, 2017 04:23 pm | Updated 04:23 pm IST - MADURAI:

Determined lot: Differently abled athletes K. Ganesan (extreme left) and S. Manoj, who have won gold medals in World Dwarf Games in Canada with their coach J. Ranjith Kumar (centre). Photo: S. James

Determined lot: Differently abled athletes K. Ganesan (extreme left) and S. Manoj, who have won gold medals in World Dwarf Games in Canada with their coach J. Ranjith Kumar (centre). Photo: S. James

“One has to be a cricketer in this country to get the attention of the Government and public,” laments K. Ganesan, who won three gold medals at the recently concluded Seventh World Dwarf Games in Guelph, Ontario, Canada.

At 36, Ganesan’s dream of making it big at an international meet has come true but the acknowledgement he deserves is yet to come. “I was on cloud nine after seeing the congratulatory messages and recognition fellow contestants, who have won silver and bronze medals, were getting from their country. I thought I would get a hero’s welcome. But when we landed in Bangalore, not a soul was there at the airport to receive us. We were alone. I felt so bad,” rues Ganesan, who bagged gold medals in Javelin, Discus and Shot put.

His medal winning effort in Javelin came in the last of the three attempts he made. “I was over excited from the time I got on to the flight. Seeing rivals practising with their sophisticated equipment and professional coaches, who offered not only sporting tips but also counselling to overcome stress and have better mental edge over fellow contestants, I was overawed by the grandeur of the event but it also strengthened my determination to succeed against all odds,” says Ganesan, who runs a poultry shop in Matharai near Usilampatti to eke out a living.

He hurled the spear over 22 metres to clinch the gold medal and also cleared 22.35 metres and 7.70 metres in Discus and Shot put respectively to bring home the yellow medal.

Engineering graduate Manoj bagged gold medal in Javelin, silver medals in Discus and Shot put. The first two events in his Class II category were Discus and Shot put. He could finish only second to a contestant from US and it was sweet revenge for him in the Javelin as he pushed the gold medal winner to the second position sending the spear to a distance of 25.40 metres.

“In countries like Canada, differently abled persons like us and old age people get the maximum attention and benefits than the normal people. Only in our country we are neglected. We passed on the information to the Paralympic Association of India immediately after we won the medals but the sports associations here did not even bother to acknowledge or recognise our efforts,” says Manoj.

For 21-year-old Selvaraj from Konapet near Pudukkottai, to finish on top of the podium was the first and foremost objective of in his life, which he did to perfection.

Selvaraj achieved his personal best to stay on top. He cleared a distance of 26.54 metres to win the Javelin gold in Class I category. He missed the world record by a whisker. “The record in my category stands at 27 metres and I tried my level best. With better training facilities I will accomplish that feat also,” says the B.B.A graduate.

Competing against 20 athletes in his category, Selvaraj’s final three attempts started disastrously as he made a fowl attempt. He returned with conviction to throw the spear past 26 metres to clinch the issue. He tried to better his earlier attempt by sending the javelin soaring past 27 metres that would etch his name in the list of world record holders. But unfortunately, he lost control and fell over the line. “Though I had won the gold medal, the disappointment of not able to finish off the final attempt successfully will remain in my mind. I will work towards becoming a record holder in my next appearance in the world meet,” he promises. Selvaraj was four metres ahead of his rival who finished next to him.

All three attribute their success to physically challenged athlete and district coach for the differently abled persons, J. Ranjithkumar, who spotted their talent and nurtured their interests. “But for him we would not have come this far. I personally thank my fellow athlete Manoj for introducing me to Ranjith. I never lost my zeal to succeed in life and Ranjith watered my passion to perform at higher levels. I am not going to stop at this,” says Ganesan.

Having brought laurels to the country what these athletes now need is better attention and recognition from the Government. “We are trying to meet the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister to brief him about our achievements,” says Ranjithkumar.

The athletes are now bracing up for the Asian Games and promise better results. With financial support from the Government and facilities to nurture their talent these athletes will do the country proud once again.

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