Participants at India’s first-ever wheelchair basketball premier league in Nagpada urge more para-athletes to come forward and make sport more competitive, lucrative
Javed Choudhari (right) and Sureshkumar Karki train at the Mastan YMCA courts on Saturday. Pic/Suresh Karkera
The Mastan YMCA’s basketball courts in Nagpada witnessed some brave personalities in action this weekend. And their individual disabilities or life struggles had no effect on their skills or spirit as they excelled in India’s first Wheelchair Basketball Premier League (WBPL) organised by Project Mumbai, a NGO.
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India’s wheelchair basketball team captain Sureshkumar Karki, 45, a war veteran, who got suffered a severe spinal injury during Gorkha Regiment’s operations against ULFA (United Liberation Front of Asom) militants in Assam in 2004, led the Maharashtra team, comprising mostly athletes from the Indian army’s Paraplegic Rehabilitation Centre (PRC), Pune.
‘Don’t just remain indoors’
Karki insisted that civilian para-athletes should also come forward and participate in basketball’s wheelchair version. “We want to motivate youngsters, particularly civilians, to play this sport. I want to tell all disabled persons that they can also play well and do something for the nation. Don’t just remain indoors or restrict yourself to your home. Everyone has extraordinary qualities, so please come ahead and enjoy this beautiful life,” Karki told mid-day on Saturday.
Karki, who is also representing India in para-badminton, has lost all sensation in his lower body and has no bladder control. However, he has no complaints. “This is possible only because of the numerous lessons of dedication, determination, discipline and the never-give-up attitude that we are taught at the army. After all, we are doing something for our country,” said Karki.
The Maharashtra wheelchair team has been unbeatable at the Nationals since 2014 and Javed Chaudhari, 27, from Lonar in Vidarbha, is the only civilian in this side. Chaudhari, who lost his leg in a bike accident when he was just 21, wants more opportunities for wheelchair basketball players.
“Just like how we have IPL games in India, in some countries, there are lucrative tournaments in wheelchair basketball and clubs pay on an average R25 lakh to a player for a six-month duration. I have offers from a club in London and also America. It’s good that the organisers, Project Mumbai, have taken this initiative. There is so much scope. We need to build awareness to the coming generation,” said Chaudhari, who is based in Delhi and practises javelin throw under the guidance of renowned coach Satpal Singh.
“Our PRC players are getting salaries and facilities, but what about other players? Many are struggling financially. I have come here spending my own money, but not all can afford that. It’s high time people change their mentality and support this game which can be highly competitive and interesting for spectators too,” Chaudhari added.
PRC emerge champs
Pune’s Paraplegic Rehabilitation Centre (PRC) won the men’s title at the inaugural WBPL, beating Project Mumbai Wheelers (PMW) 42-4 in the final on Sunday. They were awarded a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh. Among the women, PMW beat Pune Riders 14-12 to clinch the title and cash award of Rs 50,000.
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