Disabled sports are getting people's attention: Swimmer Masudur Rehman Baidya

Kolkata, Dec 3: Swimmer Masudur Rehman Baidya, double amputee below the knee who crossed the English Channel in 1997, believes India only prefers cinema, cricket and politics but admitted the scenario was changing now and people are taking interest and helping the disabled sports to come up in the country.

"My case study has been featured in books, people can read about me and be inspired but India only understands cricket, cinema and politics," Baidya told IANS on the occasion of World Disability Day.

"We are getting sponsors and government support nowadays, especially after the success at the Paralympics."

He also stated that disabled people should not be treated unequally in society, they are a part of it and if given the responsibility they deliver too just like the rest of us.

"We are a part of society, given the responsibility we can deliver too just like we are doing at the various disabled games," he said.

Paralymics and state of affairs for disabled sports in India has taken a turn for the good after the remarkable performances of the athletes at the 2014 Glasgow games.

It is to be noted that the para national games to be held in India February 2015, will have around 2000 athletes from all across the country.

Also, a Centre of Excellence for Disability Sports at Zirakpur in Mohali district has been planned under the joint initiative of Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Department of Disability Affairs and the Government of Punjab.

The Memorandum Of Understanding for the same has already been signed.