HYDERABAD: It’s no secret that only a few sports are recognised by the average sports lover in the country. Cricket, of course, tops that list by a big margin, and then comes, perhaps badminton. Apart from that there is hardly any recognition for our sportspersons.
If this is the case for mainstream sports, just spare a thought for our para-athletes, who rise above their physical limitations to excel. Madhu Bagri, India’s first female wheelchair tennis player has been struggling to make a name for herself ever since she took up the sport.
Lack of financial support, non-availability of the correct equipment, or something as basic as the right guidance, all these factors have marred her chances of developing into a better player. A sport that requires close to `40 lakh of investment per year, Madhu is contemplating leaving it.
“I started playing wheelchair tennis pretty late, when I was 37. But since then it’s been a tough ride for me. In India, there are just a couple of tournaments that are held annually, and that is not enough for a player. And if one wants to participate, they have to shell out money from their own pockets,” Madhu, who was in the city recently for Infinity Run, told Express.
“That’s not it, I haven’t played an international event in almost a year. I had achieved a ranking of world no 113, but couldn’t go beyond that. And last year I got injured, and since have been struggling to get back.”
Way back in 2014, Madhu qualified for the Asian Games in Incheon, but that did not materialise as she did not get a nod from All India Tennis Association. Her aim to represent India on a global level remained unfulfilled. “I was selected to represent India in the 2014 Asian Games. The trials were conducted by Paralympic Wheel Chair Tennis Federation. But I didn’t get the nod from AITA to represent the country. All my efforts went in vain,” she added.
But for now, Madhu wants to focus on para-cycling, which she feels has got more support in the country. A completely new territory for the Ahmedabad resident, para-cycling has ignited a new fire in her, to represent the country once more. “All I want to do is represent the country on a big stage. I have started training and I’m targeting Asian Cycling Championship next year.”
madhav@newindianexpress.com