Coimbatore: It was not until a year ago that 19-year old Deepika Rani, a differently abled sportsperson took to sports seriously.
Coimbatore: It was not until a year ago that 19-year old Deepika Rani, a differently abled sportsperson took to sports seriously.
For her, she thought education was the only way to liberate herself. But things changed when she stepped into the sports arena and defeated her opponents at the National Wheelchair Fencing Championship in Chennai.
The victory changed her perception of herself and made her confident to pursue sport more seriously. However, hailing from a poor economic background, pursuing a sport like 'fencing' was no cakewalk.
Deepika was at the District Collectorate on Monday to meet the Collector K Rajamani to seek help for purchasing equipment to pursue her dreams and goals in the sports arena.
Speaking to Simplicity, Deepika said, "All I had at the tournament was my confidence and determination to win the game. The rest of the requirements was fulfilled by the Chennai Fencing Club who gave me the equipment and other support necessary to participate in the championship. I defeated the competitor from Orissa to win the gold in the Sabre category and the competitor from Haryana to win the silver in the Foil category of the Fencing Championship. It was an eye-opening moment for me because I now started believing that I too can do it," she exulted.
But to pursue the game it has become necessary for Deepika to have her own equipment which can aid her to practise diligently. The equipment is estimated to cost Rs.1.75 lakhs, since each category in the sport of 'fencing' requires a different set of equipment. "Since I started 'fencing' last year at KCT College which is promoting this in a major way, I was able to pursue it.
But, the real support came from Albert Premkumar, who was then the Director of the Physical Education Department in KCT, who not only helped me financially but also morally. He was instrumental for me to make a mark in 'Fencing.' Without his support, I would not have pursued or even known about the game," said an emotional Deepika.
"Later, the sport of Fencing turned interesting after watching several matches and tournaments. I approached the college seeking help to complete my graduation in B.Com. It was here that I got introduced to the game and after a year-long training, I made it to the National Championship and won the game," added Deepika.
"However, now it is necessary to continue the game more professionally and participate in more events. But this requires proper equipment which I do not have," revealed Deepika.
Meanwhile, the District Collector has assured Deepika of complete support to help purchase the required equipment for her to pursue 'Fencing' as a professional sport.