Disabled swimmer Mohammed Shaikh chosen for global sports program

Disabled swimming champion Mohammad Shams Aalam Shaikh has been selected for a Global Sports Mentoring Program called Sports for Community. This is an initiative created by the United States government. He will leave later this month.

31-year-old Shaikh, who is from Madhubani, is the only person from Bihar to be chosen for this program. The program will be held from 25 March to 29 April. It is in partnership with the University of Tennessee.

Eighteen emerging leaders from across the world have been selected by the U.S government for the month-long mentorship program. Shaikh will be mentored by international experts on ideas that will help to create sports-related opportunities for disabled people.

All transport and accommodation expenses will be provided by the United States government.

Shaikh was a karate black-belt holder. He became paraplegic after a spinal cord injury in 2010. He refused to feel discouraged and went on to become a para-swimmer. He is hoping to win a gold medal in the 2018 Asian Para Games in Indonesia. This year, on Republic Day, he was honoured by Bihar Governor Satya Pal Malik.

People from 216 countries had applied for the Global Mentorship Program. He said that the training would give him the knowledge needed to promote inclusive sport in rural areas.