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Three physically challenged badminton players from the state of West Bengal have been selected for the BWF Para Badminton World Championship 2013. The Championship will take place at Dortmund, Germany.
But, the trio has encountered a potential stumbling block as they require more than Rs. 1 lakh in fees, an amount which is currently beyond their means. They have been knocking on all possible doors for sponsorship, but to no avail so far and their participation at the event now hangs in the balance.
Two of the players – Bhaskar Mukherjee and Sahajahan Bulbul – are unemployed. The third member, Indrajit Pal, is a government employee.
There are four categories in total in which the various players are drafted: two for those who have defect in their hand, one for those who have defective legs, but can walk, and one for players who cannot stand and need a wheel-chair.
Having only two fingers in his left hand, Mukherjee has been selected in the hand category. Pal will feature in the leg category while Bulbul will be playing from his wheelchair.
The Badminton Sports Association of India for challenged has reportedly sent a letter to the three selected players informing them that they will have to shell out Rs 1,19,060, which includes Rs 65,000 as air fare, Rs 8,500 as visa and insurance, Rs 35,000 as boarding and lodging and another Rs 10,560 as participation fees.
September 18 has been given as the date by which these players need to remit the participation fees and that of boarding and lodging. The remainder of the amount needs to be paid by September 25.
“The letter said we will have to pay the participation fees by September 10. When we requested for some more time, they decided on September 18. We got a breather but we don’t know whether we can arrange the money or not,” Mukherjee said.
As mentioned earlier, Mukherjee has only two fingers in his left hand, but in addition is also partially blind.
Mukherjee said: “I am unemployed and cannot take loan. In this condition, I can represent my country only if I get a sponsor. This is a rare opportunity and I don’t want to let it go”.
Bulbul, 28, has a different case history altogether. Bulbul’s legs have been affected by polio as a result of which Bulbul will be participating in the wheel chair category.
“I can’t sleep at night. No one from Bengal has made it to this tournament. We are among the 13 players selected from across the country. It is a great opportunity and if I miss this chance, I shall regret all my life”, said Bulbul.
Trinamool Congress MP and President of Indian Paralympics Committee Sultan Ahmed said: “At present, there is an injunction on Indian Paralympics Committee and all operations have been stopped. We are not in a position to help these talented players. This is sad but true. I have told them about private sponsors but nothing has materialised so far”.
