THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, Jan 20: Amputee from left limb by at the early age of seven while going to school, what he could have done, he did the all. Did not allow his highly compromised physical state to dictate his future course of action, shunned his social background to scale caste-based discriminations, overcame the series of discouraging rejections received and also subverted penury he and his family faced at every level to get selected in an international event meant for physically challenged. But he could not arrest the apathy shown by the system which is all set to shatter his dreams.
Financial struggles threaten championship participation
“Instead of being happy, it is heartbreaking to see the call letter about my selection in the Indian team for participating in the first Asian Para Throwball Championship. Every player selected is to deposit Rs 89,000 for the expenses coming on travelling, VISA, accommodation, food, dress, coaching camp etc. I tried my level best but failed to get any financial support either from the government or otherwise. If it remains like this, I fear whether I would participate in the championship and represent my country and my state Jharkhand,” says Rajesh Kumar Mehta flagging the letter written by Dr V Albert Premkumar, secretary general of the World Para Throwball Federation who also happens to be the president of the Para Throwball Federation of India (PTFI).
The championship is scheduled to be held at National Para Sports Training Center in Phnom Phen of Cambodia between March 28-30 this year. As per the letter dated January 4, the participants have to deposit Rs 45,000 as advance by January 25 and the second by 26 of the next month, failing to do that the rejection is obvious.
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“I tried my level best to meet the fee demanded. I have a very poor background. Earlier I could complete my CITS training for teaching in ITIs from Lucknow with my elder brother’s help but he has separated from the family now,” added Mehta who is a resident of Chhatarpur in Palamu.
Past setbacks and persistence
It is not that this is Rajesh’s first selection. In 2013, he was selected for the national Para Volleyball championship to represent Jharkhand and later in 2015 picked up for its international version to be played in Dubai. “I could not make it there because of failing to manage a meager Rs 35,000 which was required to be deposited before,” said Rajesh.
However, he continued with his sports passion, switched from volleyball to throwball and went on representing the country in the 3rd International Parathrowball Championship held in Cambodia in December 2024 where the Indian team emerged victorious among 21 countries.
“This time, the participation fee was Rs 65000 and I was fortunate enough to manage this somehow at the last moment with the support coming from different quarters including the then Chhatarpur MLA,” he continued.
Palamu DC gave only assurances: Mehta
Rajesh on all the occasions knocked different doors including the Chief Minister’s Office of the State. “I met Chief Minister Hemant Soren before the Para Throwball Championship personally. He said ‘first win then we will see’. This time also I called on the Palamu DC who gave only assurances. Sports-related authorities say we can forward your application only. But no help is seen coming and I have no time left in the event,” added Rajesh Mehta.
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Efforts to reach the Palamu DC office resulted only in assurance. “He had come with an application for help. The DC sir has assured him all possible help,” said an official at the DC office.
Meanwhile Rajesh Mehta is still optimistic about some light at the end of the tunnel in order to not only make his nation and the state proud but also keep his head high which is crucial keeping his physical limitations in mind.
