Para cagers seek backing for Asian meet

India’s Paralympians recently beat the country’s 119-strong Olympic contingent in medals 4-2 bringing cheer among fans and the political class which showered them with gifts.

But have we learnt any lessons there

It has recently come to light that the country is still struggling to send its wheelchair basketball team to the men’s U-23 Asian qualifiers in Bangkok next year for want of funds.

The Chennai-based Wheelchair Basketball Federation of India has been campaigning for donations to send their team for the tournament.

Residential property developers South Indian Shelters has come to their aid, contributing around Rs 3 lakh to the federation.

However, that amount is not even nearly enough to send the team to Bangkok, according to WBFI president and former para-swimmer Madhavi Latha.

As she told this paper over phone, “We need more support. South Indian Shelters has been very helpful in giving the Rs 3 lakh to register for the tournament.”

It would be the first time that a wheelchair basketball team from India will participate in an international tournament, if the WBFI can manage to send the athletes, that is.

The money came just at the right moment for WBFI, as the deadline for the registration was on Monday, October 31.

“We have registered for the tournament for now, but we require a lot more help, if we are to send our team to Bangkok,” said Madhavi. “We need to conduct a training camp and manage flight tickets.”

Finishing in the top three at Bangkok would ensure qualification for the World Championships in June 2017, in Canada. However, it is more about participation rather than qualification for the Indians at the moment.

According to the WBFI president, the federation needs around Rs 10 lakh to send the players.

Despite the possible funding however, the players may have to travel to the Asian qualifiers without proper equipment. Every player requires a personalised sports wheelchair, depending on what position they play, and their particular disability.

WBFI confirmed they have sent a proposal to the Paralympics Council of India to fund the team’s trip to Bangkok.