International Disability Week Grand Carnival
Project initiated by: Professor & Statistician Chirag Doshi
This is the story of Rahul Ramugade, a Para-Swimmer and the captain of the Mumbai Wheelchair Cricket Team.
Bouncer Avenue brings forward to you amother inspirational story of a man who never cried on his disablility based condition but instead overcame all hurdles in his life.
Achievements:
- In 2012, Rahul won 8 Gold, 1 Silver and 5 Bronze medals in the State para swimming competitions.
- YZ Award 2016 was awarded by the Marathi film industry to him for his swimming skills and his love towards Marathi films and drama.
- Mumbai Mayor Award 2017 for Winning Gold Medals in State Para-Swimming Competitions.
- Gaganala Pankh Nave Award 2017 for excellence in Wheelchair Cricket & Swimming.
- Dheypurti Award 2017 for excellence in Wheelchair Cricket & Swimming.
- Sports Nasha Young Sports Person Award 2020 for excellence in Wheelchair Cricket & Swimming.
Let us hear about the journey from the man himself
Tell us about your childhood?
“My childhood was good, despite being a disabled child I tried to swim and my school was very supportive to me as they supported me in every possible manner. My class was on the 1st floor and even if the lift would stop working, there was a facility especially for me to go upstairs. Some swimming pools didn't allow me because of my disability but I didn't give up and that's how it worked out for me.”
When did you start playing cricket?
“I started playing cricket in my gully in which my friends were a huge helping hand of me. We played cricket in the gully and I used to bowl spin. I used a skateboard at that time for taking runs. I used to love bowling more because it didn't require me to run so frequently like the batters.”
Tell us about your journey as a wheelchair cricketer?
“Yeah, that's amazing. Initially, I wasn't even aware that there is a Wheelchair Cricket Team but later I found out about it and in 2017, I reached there for a trial and got selected for the Indian team right before the tri-series in Nepal (between India, Nepal and Bangladesh). Later, I started the Maharashtra wheelchair cricket team. I also started the Mumbai wheelchair cricket team and now I am the captain of it. Now, we have a lots of wheelchair cricket state teams and with every passing day, the awareness about the wheelchair cricket teams is increasing and in future, we might get a domestic tournament like the Ranji trophy, etc. In the earlier days, we used to sponsor our own matches to play but now we are even receiving some sponsorships with the wheelchair cricket getting recognition slowly and gradually.”
How do you motivate yourself?
“The best motivation for me is self-motivation. If you want to achieve something, you have to work hard for it. I have some friends and most importantly family who supported me in every aspect of life and I am thankful to them as the support of family means the world to any athlete.”
Apart from Cricket & Swimming, what do you love?
“I love traveling. I have travelled to many places. I have travelled all across Maharashtra. Pretty recently, I travelled to Andaman right before the lockdown. I did scuba diving and also enjoyed a Jet Ski ride. I travelled through a scooty recently and I hope to buy a car someday and travel even more.”
What is your dream?
“My dream is to get wheelchair cricket recognized by BCCI. Right now, we play for India through the Wheelchair Cricket Federation of India. If BCCI sponsors us then we get many opportunities and even we can generate money through this. Right now, my motive is only to create a society where everyone gets a chance; every physically abled or challenged player should be able to play even after an accident or anything so that they never have to compromise with their dreams. In the future, if BCCI organises domestic tournaments like the Ranji Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy etc. for wheelchair cricketers then every disabled player will be able to get a chance and a platform to display their skills. This is my dream and I am working on it so that if not today then it atleast brightens up the society for the future generations to come.”
How was your lockdown period?
“The lockdown was very frustrating because everything was closed from swimming to cricket and travelling everything was on hold. Luckily, I had travelled to Andaman recently so I edited my videos and posted it on YouTube. It was at that time itself that I started a YouTube channel.”
What are your views on an exclusive league for the physically challenged players?
“Yeah, I want that there should be a platform like this and hopefully in the future, we get it as it will create a massive amount of awareness and interest among disabled players and I am sure we will get more talented players coming forward.”
Throughout his journey, Rahul denied giving up and has worked real hard for his dreams and has set an example for the others to follow.
‘Rahul On Wheels’ is the YouTube started by Rahul, where he promotes wheelchair accessibility, awareness and travelling vlogs to guide others.
In his concluding remarks, Rahul said, “As a person with disabilities, we don’t need sympathy but equal opportunity and inclusion in the society. This will enable us in achieving our dreams by our own hard work and talent.”
'Rahul On Wheels' YouTube Channel Link: Click Here
