Former cricketer Virender Sehwag tells government to do more for Para athletes

Parasports

Indians are huge fans of sports, especially cricket. But how often do we support Para athletes? Former cricketer Virender Sehwag has highlighted this issue.

Sehwag recently tweeted about the need to support Para badminton player Sanjeev Kumar. He said the government should assist Para athletes, who are struggling for financial aid.

Sanjeev Kumar has won medals at the World Paralympic Games and ranks seventh in the world. But it has been a struggle for him at every step. Lack of funds has been a big barrier to trying for the next level. The government has not supported him at all.

Kumar was even struggling to raise funds to buy a wheelchair so that he could take part in the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics. This is when Sehwag came to the rescue.

Gaurav Khanna, Director and Chief Coach at the Para-Badminton Association of India, says the government does not show any interest in supporting Para athletes. A few organizations are helping, like Go Sports Foundation, ONGC, Yonex, and Victor. They buy the Para athletes’ wheelchairs and other essential equipment.

Para athletes, coaches, and organizers want the government to offer greater support so they can bring more medals and glory to India.