All the noises and celebrations concerning players and games ended on 8th August in Tokyo, ie the last day of the Olympics. The spotlight continues to evade some real-life fighters who are currently defying the overwhelming odds with dexterity and sheer class. Yes, the 16th Paralympic Games are currently going in the Japanese capital since the 24th of August but a complete silence regarding the same on social as well as traditional media outlets is nothing but antipathy at its worst. There are several enigmatic displays such as playing table tennis by using the feet and mouth, indulging in fencing devoid of arms and legs etc that are hard to find even in regular world-class competitions. Yet, the aversion towards such stupendous feats is baffling, to say the least. The event undergoing presently features several gifted players, who have overcome their physical challenges to create new records in the sporting arena. So, let us learn about these sports prodigies of the 2020 Paralympics more closely.
Ibrahim Hamadtou (Egypt)
The Egyptian’s tryst with the tragedy happened at the age of 10, a train accident that took away both his arms. Hence, hope was his last resort and today Hamadtou is regaling everyone with his table tennis skills through his foot and the mouth. He tosses the ball in the air with his feet and hits the same with the racquet placed in his mouth. Watching the 48-year-old in action is more entertaining than seeing some of the finest exponents of ping-pong in the regular category.
Viktor Didukh (Ukraine)
The Ukrainian had won Gold in the 2016 Rio Paralympics in the doubles category. Didukh is a cancer survivor and he lost one of his legs due to the dreaded disease. However, the personal tragedy never affected his morale as he has scripted several successful stories despite the major disadvantage. At this year’s Paralympic Games he secured a silver medal in the singles category. Watching him in action is nothing but poetry in motion.
Beatrice Vio (Italy)
Bebe Vio, as she is fondly called, shocked and melted various hearts in 2016 when she won Gold at the Rio for wheelchair fencing. Now, you might wonder, what is the big deal over here? The Italian lady does not have arms or legs. Yes, she created history and endeared everyone with such a disability. Hence, a lot is riding on her shoulders this year as well and one can only hope that she recreates the Brazilian magic to stun everyone in Tokyo.
Avani Lekhara (India)
This Rajasthani girl has struck Gold at the air rifle event in the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics. Lekhara is a law student and a car crash at the age of 10 left her paralysed below her waist. The 19-year-old secured the yellow metal with a brilliant score of 149.6 in the final event. At the moment, she is ranked fifth in the women’s 10m air rifle standing and this was her first appearance at the Paralympics.
Devendra Jhajharia (India)
The two-time Gold medalist, 2004 and 2016, got his third medal at this year’s Paralympics when he won the Silver for the javelin throw. The 40-year-old from Rajasthan had to let go of his left leg at the age of eight when he touched a live electric cable while climbing a tree. Jhajharia’s talent was noticed first by the Dronacharya Award-winning coach RD Singh at a school sport’s day. He immediately took him under his wings and developed his skills to a great extent. Jhajharia has always credited Singh for his 2004 Golden triumph at the Athens Paralympics. Since 2015, he is being coached by Sunil Tanwar.
