Differently Abled

After winning many medals in and for India in Para Badminton (Badminton by Physically Challenged), this couple is now aiming to play in Olympics for the country for which the qualifier is in June this year. But the struggle to compete without proper equipment continues.

Their recent achievements are they have won several medals in national and international tournaments, including gold medals in the Para Masters National Games 2022 and silver medals in the International Tournament Uganda Wheelchair Para Badminton 2022. They also hold certificates of participation in the National Para Badminton Quarterfinal 2021, 3rd National Wheelchair Para Badminton Doubles-Silver Medal 2019, 3rd National Wheelchair Para Badminton Mix Double – Bronze Medal 2019, 4th National Para Badminton Double Gold Medal 2020, 4th National Para Badminton Single Silver Medal 2020, and 2nd Para Masters National Games Gold Medal Single 2020 and 2022.

They recently won a bronze medal in the 5th National Para Badminton Championship in 2023 Life partners, Ashwani Kumar and Shabana, from Ludhiana have been playing and winning para badminton matches for the country using a basketball wheelchair due to financial constraints, but now it limits them to enter and compete in Olympics, a reputed International platform.

This also puts them at risk of injury and could be an embarrassment for our country where such talented players are not provided proper equipment. They aim to qualify for the 2024 Olympics but need support to purchase professional badminton wheelchairs, which cost Rs. 74,000 each.

I, Harleen Kaur from Act Humane will contribute but appeal to all other Indians to support this cause and generate funds for their chairs costing 1.60 lacs. Let us motivate this physically challenged couple by contributing our bit to help them compete at the highest level and make India proud.