Journalism of Courage
Thirty-five-year-old Sanjay Das had dreamt of being a sportsman. Despite being affected by polio on his left hand, Das’s indomitable spirit saw him participate in the 2013 Para-Asian Games as a para-cyclist
Years later, he still cycles but his fate, coupled with government apathy, has now forced him to press the pedal to run his family.
Das, a resident of Baranagar in North 24 Parganas of West Bengal, now works as a delivery boy of an e-commerce website. He rues that except his immediate neighbours, none even in the locality knows that he has represented India in the Para-Asian Games, let alone any government recognition.
Das has also played both cricket and football at the state level. In 2013, without any support from the government, Das spent Rs 910 from his own pockets and headed to Delhi to participate in the Para-Asian Games.
Life put Sanjay at a crossroads after his father lost his job and he was forced to choose between his passion and the desperate need to support his family. The rising star eventually bid his passion a tearful farewell.
He had to take up the responsibility of running the family and started working for an e-commerce delivery boy. But Das cannot part ways with his cycle, the only thing that brings a smile on his face.
He said, “How would playing sports help me? I did represent the country but does anybody recognise that? I had competed against players from Japan, China and Malaysia but could not win the game.”
“In India, we do not have adequate infrastructure to support athletes like me. We don’t even have access to a proper diet to prepare for tournaments and a constant problem of lack of money keeps pulling us back. Despite such obstacles, I finished fourth in 1.18.28 seconds,” said Das.
He added, “Cyclists of other countries have better physique. I saw one athlete who too was affected with polio and his two legs would be the size of one of my legs but despite such disability, his strength was more than me.”
The central government did not give any financial support nor did the state. Das has now applied for special grants at the state level meant for athletes with disabilities. However, the application is yet to be accepted.
