Of a firm grip and boundless self-confidence

With one sweep, S. Monisha lifts her opponent C. Papathi, balances her on the hip and tries to throw her on the ground. But her move is deftly tackled by the latter, and the fight continues.

The two girls involved in this engaging contest of judo and their compatriot R. Vijayashanti were bronze medallists at the Asian Para games held in Korea last year. They were among the eight competitors who represented India.

The girls, who are pursuing bachelor’s degree courses in Queen Marys’ College, are blind. “We have been practising judo for the past two years. Even though I may not be able to see my opponent, I will be able to feel her moves as judo is a contact sport,” said Papathi, who hails from Varagabadi village in Peramballur.

Her parents are farmers. “They and my entire village were overjoyed when they came to know I had won medals,” she added with a smile.

Monisha from Korattur said that the tournament in Korea was their first experience of contesting abroad. “My coach said this is the first time Tamil Nadu is winning a medal in the tournament. We are very happy to be part of the victory,” she said. The duo initially found the practice tough. “Now, we are used to it. We need better mats and probably, better nutrition,” said Monisha.

S. Uma Shankar, the chief judo coach of Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT), who trains disabled children, said, “Their concentration is better than regular players. They have now asked me to make the practice tougher,” he added. He said that he had sent an application for the Chief Minister’s award for the three girls.

Meanwhile, the two girls also want to help train other disabled students. “We want others also to experience the sense of confidence we feel,” said Papathi.

Blind students, who won bronze medals in judo at the Asian Para Games, look forward to more rigorous practice