NEDUMBASSERY: The encouragement of the people of Kerala has inspired Jobby Mathew, a physically challenged sportsman in Kochi, to win silver medal in the men's singles of the upper standing category of the badminton championship in the International Paralympic Championship which ended in Tel Aviv, Israel, on November 27.
He was addressing a press conference here on Tuesday. Jobby reached Kochi airport on Tuesday accompanied by Neeraj George Baby, of Aluva, a bronze medalist in men's doubles in lower standing category of the badminton championship. They were accorded a rousing reception by the Sports Council officebearers and elected representatives, including A M Yousef MLA and Aluva municipal chairman M T Jacob.
Jobby Mathew, a very talented sportsman in many disciplines, represented the country in the Paralympic badminton championship for the first time. He said he was thrilled to get the silver in his debut attempt. He is now busy preparing for International Arm Wrestling Championship to be held in Ukrain in 2011. Despite having severely underdeveloped legs, Jobby does not regard himself as lessable and is unfazed by challenges. He won a gold in the general category in the 2008 World Championship in Spain.
Neeraj George Baby, a postgraduate in biotechnology from England, had his legs amputated owing to cancer.
Using crutches, Neeraj exhibited excellent performance to clinch a bronze in men's doubles in the lower standing category of the International Badminton Championship in Tel Aviv.
Neeraj, who won many national championships, was the winner in the international championship held in Bangalore in 2007.
Though he was qualified for many international championships, he could not participate in any of the tournaments owing to the lack of sponsors, Neeraj said.