Page 73 - Sportability

Bobby, an accomplished athlete in javelin and discuss Q: When did you start facing physical challenges?
throw, participated in the 2022 Asian Para Games. A: I was six months old when I became paralyzed. The
He earned a silver medal in javelin at the World doctors tried many treatments, and I recovered to
Para Athletics Junior Championship 2019, held in an extent. I had a long treatment in Delhi, along with
Switzerland, and has also secured three bronze medals massages, and eventually regained movement in one
in various international competitions. Born in Mathura hand and one leg.
and disabled since childhood, Bobby was inspired to
pursue sports after watching th Rio Olympics on TV. Q: How many medals have you won so far?
With the unwavering support of his uncle, he ventured A: I have won five to seven medals and have participated
into athletics and is nw training under Dronacharya in 15 competitions. The best part about working hard is
Awardee Dr Satyapal Singh. Let’s hear what Bobby getting the opportunity to travel abroad.
shared during his conversation with Modernites.
Sir takes care of all my accommodation and food
Which sport are you associated with? arrangements. He has set up a hostel in South Ex where
A: I specialize in javelin and discus throw and am we all stay.
currently undergoing further training.
Q: In this highly competitive environment, don’t you
Q: How long have you been in the field of sports? What ever feel stressed or depressed?
inspired you to pursue it? A: Why should I get depressed? We are all sportsmen,
A: I’ve been playing since 2019. I was inspired when I and we all work hard. We want to leave our mistakes
watched the 2016 Paralympics on TV. I thought, “I can behind and push forward with full effort. Naturally,
do this too.” I completed my schooling in Mathura. As there is stress, but everyone is putting in the effort. So,
I started winning medals, I became more and more my goal is to keep moving forward. We even celebrate
motivated. festivals here, just so that our practice doesn’t get
affected.
My father passed away in 2008. After that, my uncle,
who was in the CRPF, supported me a lot. Watching the Q: Is there any childhood incident that inspired you?
Rio Olympics on TV solidified my decision to enter this A: I was never really interested in studies. I even lived
field. I knew I could do it. I could have won even more in Delhi for two years with my uncle and studied. I
medals, but due to an injury, I had to step back for a studied up to the 12th grade. Recently, I got admission
while. My treatment lasted three months, and only after to a college in Odisha under the sports quota for a BA
that could I regain my form. program. One of the reasons I came into the sports field
was that I was never much into studies.

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