Wrestling with rules

“My mother said to us in the morning, ‘Carl — this is my brother — you put on your shoes, and Oscar you put on your prosthetic legs’.”

These words were spoken by Oscar Pistorius, the double amputee runner with prosthetic legs from South Africa, after he created history by competing with able-bodied athletes in the London Olympics, 2012. (Pistorius has since been charged with the murder of his girlfriend. However this takes nothing away from his achievements as as athlete.) It speaks volumes for what disabled athletes can achieve with proper support and motivation. Virender Singh, fondly known as Goonga Pehelwan in wrestling circles (because he is deaf and mute), is one such shining light for India.

Champ Singh

Singh won medals in three consecutive Deaflympics (gold in 2005, bronze in 2009, and gold in August 2013) as well as the World Deaf Wrestling Championships in 2008 (bronze) as well as 2012 (silver). In spite of such outstanding achievements, the support and recognition he has received from government and sports authorities has been minimal.

A documentary film named Goonga Pehelwan premiered in Ahmedabad on October 24. Made by three young directors from this city, the film is an attempt to bring to the public domain the story of injustice done to Singh. Vivek Chaudhary, one of the directors said, “FILA (International Wrestling Federation) has clarified that there is no rule that forbids a deaf wrestler to compete in events of able-bodied athletes. Only the referee has to be notified that instead of the regular whistle, the deaf wrestler has to be given visual cues as indicators.”

But there’s been no action on this from either the Sports Ministry or the Indian Wrestling Federation.

One of the most important morale boosters for athletes is the financial assistance provided by the administrative authorities. Surprisingly, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has a policy by which deaf and other handicapped athletes are expressly listed as not being eligible for special awards. Nor is the Haryana government, which is generally seen to be pro-sports, clear on whether it supports deaf and other handicapped sportspersons (Singh belongs to Haryana).

Missionary zeal

The filmmakers have begun a campaign called Mission Rio 16 (http://www.goongapehelwanthefilm.com/Home/the-project/aboutmission) to promote Singh’s cause and make sure he fulfils his dream of participating in the Olympics. “Through public support garnered by this movement, we will take the matter to the Sports Ministry and if necessary take the help of the judiciary as well. Just because he cannot hear the whistle, it does not mean he cannot get a fair chance,” said Vivek.

Indeed it will be a shame if a probable medal prospect does not get a chance to represent India at the Olympics only because of lack of clarity in rules or the dearth of financial assistance. It is time Virender gets what he deserves — a chance, a single chance.

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