Shuttlers practising hard for World Deaf C’ships

They are being groomed for the event by internationally reputed coach Tom John who is being assisted by Gaurav Khanna in the job. Presently,Bhaker is in Delhi to witness the India Open and the other two could join him soon.

Interacting with The Indian Express,Rohit said that he is practising hard so that he is able to put up a good show at the World Deaf Badminton Championships. Rohit felt that he has been able to reach this high in badminton due to family support. “ I have held World no. 3 ranking in the deaf category from 2006 to 2009 and I am presently world no. 4 and family has contributed to it greatly,” he explains. He does not forget to tell you that he is very happy with life and he has been blessed by a baby girl only recently and wishes to ‘conquer’ the world (championships) now.

Vikram Singh who claimed a bronze in the doubles event in Asia Pacific badminton championships last year and had participated in the Deaflympics in 2009 said that he was hoping for a medal at the world championships but said that improved infrastructure for deaf shuttlers can work wonders for the players.

Vikram is also the current winner of the deaf badminton nationals.

Gaurav Ahluwalia said that he will be going all out to win a medal for the country. There is no dearth of talent in the hearing impaired shuttlers,the only thing they need proper guidance,he felt. Renowned deaf shuttler Rajeev Bagga is the source of inspiration for all of them.

Their coach Gaurav Khanna informed that through sports sign language for the deaf,he converts all strokes into signs which makes a lot more easier for them. He said that the players have no paucity of talent but “government should pay more attention to the deaf players and sponsors should come forward to encourage them.”