Battling the odds on an even field

The handicap though prompted Tarun to pick up the racquet a year later. “I picked badminton because it exercises every part of your body. My coach Rajiv Mehra has helped me a lot. Although my movement is comparatively slower than the rest on court,I just love the game,” Tarun said.

The love for the game also makes Tarun shrug away his handicap. “I constantly like to challenge myself against those with no disability. It (the handicap) should never stop somebody from doing what they love.”

As if to prove that he could not only play as well but go one better than the rest,Tarun began to make inroads at the school and junior levels. By the time he turned 11,Tarun was India’s junior number one player in the physically challenged category.

Tarun and his coach travelled to the Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy for the Asia Cup for the disabled last December. Tarun finished third in the doubles event and lost to a 35-year-old player from Malaysia in the singles. He has also won gold in the national championships in the singles,doubles and mixed doubles events.

However,what really drives Tarun is the desire to excel against able-bodied contestants in competitive games. On Monday,though,Tarun was not as fortunate in the third round of the main u-16 draw,losing 10-21 to Sunny Kumar,but not before giving his much-older opponent a run for his money. “Tomorrow is a new day,where I will be competing in the u-13 category. Lets see what happens,” said Tarun.

“I think he can go all the way in the u-13 category,” says his coach,adding,“When I first saw Tarun I realised that he wanted to prove to the world that his disability is only physical. I have been coaching him since he picked up the sport. I have been training him mainly on his movements. But his courage,skill and determination are extraordinary to say the least.”

With the qualifiers for the World Championships being held in Bangalore later this year,both the coach and the pupil have a lot to look forward to. “Tarun will make India proud one day. I can see it happening,” said Mehra,hoping to add another chapter to Tarun’s illustrious career.