It takes a strong mind and heart to train oneself to be a sportsman. And in a country where cricket is a religion, it isn’t an uncommon instance where other sportsmen bemoan the government’s lack of support. And if it’s tough enough when one is able-bodied, what of the many talented differently-abled people? That is the issue that city-based Aditya Mehta is trying to drive home.
Perturbed by the state of sports facilities provided for the differently-abled and the way people react towards them, Aditya Mehta is planning a unique initiative: to cycle the 3800 kilometers-odd distance between Kashmir and Kanyakumari. A commendable feat, the 31 year-old makes this even more of an achievement being an above knee amputee himself. Strike one for Mehta.
The Hyderabadi who lost his leg in an accident, got frustrated of sitting at home and took up the sport after coming across a hoarding of Hyderabad Bicycle Club. A business man by profession, he turned the sport into a passion for himself in a span of 19 months, even registering his name in the Limca Book of Records for being fastest above-knee amputee to comlete 100 kilometers on a cycle. “I bought a cycle after seeing the hoarding and started practising. Initially, I fell down many a time, but slowly I picked up and achieved a lot from then on,” said Aditya about the initial stages of his cycling journey.
Not one to be slowed down or to entertain sympathy, he points out that the empathy shown by people for amputees might deter their confidence levels and make them lose faith in trying to lead a normal life. “Often, people use the word ‘bechara’ for amputees, even parents sympathetically wonder what amputees can do in life. But I feel that they have the potential to lead a normal life,” he states strongly.
Having seen for himself what differently-abled people can do for themselves, he has made it his pet project to encourage fellow amputees to go out there and achieve. However, he does admit that help from the government could take them a long way.
“If we see other nations like China or smaller countries like Malaysia, sports facilities for them are really good. However, in our nation, there are no sports academies for amputees. I want to motivate amputees to take up sports and drive the point that they can lead a normal life,” states two-time silver medalist. For Aditya, this ride isn’t just a statement to the government but also to other differently-abled people. Having picked up his medals for India at the Hero Para-Cycling Championship held in Delhi on March-2013, he hopes his initiative will prompt the government to take notice of his requests to provide a special academy and other facilities for amputees.
Besides just cycling the distance, Aditya also hopes to raise funds for his foundation. Along with four close associates, the Hyderabadi is in fact registering the Aditya Mehta Foundation today, to which people can donate money for every kilometer he covers. The foundation will utilize the generated funds in providing sports equipment and prosthesis for other amputees interested in sports. “Differently-abled people from different states who are selected in various competitions, call and ask me to help them find a sponsor. This is how I intend to help,” he shares.
The 36-day bicycle ride titled Airtel Endurance Ride by Aditya Mehta is powered by Bharathi Cement and will begin on November 7 at Srinagar. Aditya will cycle to Kanyakumari and reach on December 13 after a four-day break in between. With a schedule of covering 100-120 kilometers a day, Aditya will also be accompanied by a doctor throughout the journey. “As it is a very long ride, my palms might swell and I might get saddle sore, but I am prepared for it,” says the determined cyclist.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Hyderabad / by K. Shiva Shanker – Hyderabad / October 28th, 2013