Journalism of Courage
It was a cruel twist of fate that left paratrooper Amol Boriwale physically challenged in December 2006. He lost a leg owing to a landmine injury and after two years and countless hours of rehabilitation,he was asked to leave the armed forces to lead a sedentary life. Instead of being shattered by his situation,he chose to adopt a positive attitude. I knew right from the time I was in rehabilitation that I would not be a dependent and helpless person. I just knew that I had to begin doing something useful with my life, says Boriwale who will be representing the country at the Paralympics Qualifiers for archery in Italy next month.
While I was at the Military Hospital (MH) in Khadki,I was encouraged by my doctors and also by the people at the Paraplegic Rehabilitation Centre (PRC) that I would visit,to take up sports. And so I did, he says. I began with my first national in Faridabad,in 2008. I won the gold in the discus throw event, he says.
About the Qualifiers in Italy,he says,These are the qualifying events for the Paralympics that will be held in 2012 in London. I am participating in the 30 mt event. And even though my scores are easily around 335,I am going to work harder to better myself, he adds.
Last week,Boriwale met cricket star Sachin Tendulkar when the latter visited PRC. He even agreed to sponsor him. He just advised me to practice hard and not worry about the funds, Boriwale reveals. For this dedicated archer,just making it to the Paralympics is not good enough. Sometimes in order to achieve something we need to surpass even our own expectations. And right now,I know that this event goes beyond just participation. For me,the Paralympics will be about winning gold, he says.
