For 17-year-old Sabiya S., it is a chance yet again to make the country proud. The champion throwball player, who has represented the country four times, has been selected for the Asian Junior Throwball Championship scheduled to be held in Malaysia tentatively in December.
However, her moment of pride is punctured by a bitter reality. Representing the nation in this sport, which has been categorised by the government as ‘others’, means she will have to fund her own expenses.
Both her parents make a living out of tuition classes for children in their locality, and financing her travel as well as stay in Malaysia is beyond their reach.
Her father has approached nearly half a dozen corporates for sponsorship, and all have refused so far.
It isn’t dearth of achievements that has deterred sponsors.
Achievements
In five years since playing the game, she has represented the country four times, and was even declared the player of the match in the finals of the Quadrangular Women’s Throwball championship held in Sri Lanka in October 2013.
“Nobody is willing to see my achievements and my performance. The receptionist of the company itself chases me out without listening to me,” says a dejected Sabiya, who was looking forward to play the “big” tournament where 14 countries will vie for top honours.
Looking for sponsor
Although she was supposed to pay Rs. 65,000 by last week, she has requested her coach for some more time and hopes to find a sponsor someone who would fund her expenses.
“I continue to practice every morning…I hope to make the game more popular in my State so that players do not have to struggle to pursue their passion,” says the Konena Agrahara resident.
T. Ramanna, Secretary General, Throwball Federation of India, said as the sport was listed under the ‘others’ category, it received no funding.
“Players have to arrange for sponsorship themselves. While some State governments had chosen to fund their players, Sabiya — who is one of the two players (the other is personally financing the trip) chosen from Karnataka — has not received funding from the government,” he said.
17-year-old throwball player awaits a sponsor
to participate in the
Asian Junior Throwball Championship
in Malaysia
