Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Even as union government is making a bid to host Olympics in 2036 and is spending billions of rupees on Khelo India, Target Podium and other such schemes meant for promoting sports and games, there is no one to spare a glance for children who have inherited physical and mental health problems from their gas-hit parents but are still excelling in para sports.
They have no support from government agency. At least 15-20 children whose parents or grandparents were exposed to deadly gas leak are doing well in para sports. Though suffering from physical and mental issues due to their parentage, they are working hard to overcome problems.
One of them is Disha Tiwari, 17, whose parents were toddlers when the gas tragedy struck. She was a part of Indian basketball team that won silver medal in Special Olympics World Games in Berlin 2023.
Disha and her younger brother Rishi are suffering from Intellectual and Developmental Disability. Her father who worked as a driver had to quit job owing to health issues. Disha who wants to make it big in basketball is preparing for Class 10 examination.
Huzefa Khan, Arhan Khan, Ahmad Ameen, Satyam Sahu, Nisha Hakeem, Mutalliib, Ashok Singh, Aman Anwar, Sana Khan and Shahid Khan – all aged between 13 and 23 years – are among others trying to make a mark in para sports through their grit and determination.
Sana, whose mother Shakila Khan lived in JP Nagar, the worst hit area, suffers from cognitive and hearing issues. “We will continue to live with health problems till we are alive. But I am happy that my daughter has not lost hope and determination,” says Shakila Khan.
Help from outside
NGO Chingari Trust has been working for past 18 years with children afflicted with congenital disabilities, Down’s syndrome, cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy with a team of physiotherapist, speech and occupational therapists, special educators, sports, music and arts experts free of cost.
There are 1300-plus children who are registered with the trust but they are able to provide regular services to 300 due to resource shortage. Rasheeda Be of Trust says government should take care of these children.
