Even as para-athletes across the world are gearing up for the Paralympic Games in London this year, India's celebrated amputee marathon runner Devender Pal Singh's chances of participating in the events are not bright due to insufficient technical support.
However, the 38-year-old is a picture of optimism, marching on with the aim of encouraging more people like him to make it to the big stage.
India's first ‘Blade Runner' was here on Wednesday to talk about ‘The Challenging Ones', a non-profit organisation (www.thechallengingones.org) initiated by him, which aims to bring together persons with disabilities and motivate them to join sports.
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Kargil war veteran
Major Singh is a Kargil war veteran. He was declared dead when he was taken to the hospital due to multiple splinter injuries. Though he survived, he suffered partial hearing loss in both ears and his right leg was amputated till above the knee. He stayed in hospital for almost a year. However, the deep scars did not dent his spirit. It was not long before he took to sports and emerged victorious in the battle with the vicissitudes of life.
Major Singh advocates intervention through sports as it helps in personality development, building skills and leadership qualities.
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A native of Ambala, he has completed five half-marathons so far.
His success is the result of dedicated practice and rigorous training.
Training
He works in a bank from 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. every day. He trains from 5 a.m. for about an hour every day. But just before an event, he trains in the evening as well. Asked if these training sessions won't be too difficult for a civilian, he says: “There is no difference. Of course, I underwent training in the Army, but I suffered that many injuries too. It's all in the mind.”
‘Support is important'
Major Singh says that it is very important to extend support to someone who has just lost a limb.
“Peer support is very important. The initial stage where the person realises that he/she has lost a limb is a difficult one as the person is in shock. Peers need to visit the person at this stage and reassure him/her that everything is going to be all right,” he said.
He also stressed that there is no need to hide an artificial limb. “I don't get affected by the stares or by being photographed,” he says.
‘Poor communication'
Major Singh does not openly criticise the lack of corporate funding for sporting activities for the disabled. Instead, he chose to blame the lack of communication between those willing to contribute and those needing the funds.
He now aims to participate in the para-jump, which is almost like jumping from a 4-ft wall.
“It is going to be difficult and risky, but nothing in life is without risk,” he adds.