Rising above all odds

Hopelessness to acclaimed wheelchair fencer: Bengaluru athlete’s courageous journey

Swift calculated strokes, clashing blades, grit, discipline and medals have become synonymous with Bengaluru-based K Thyagarajan today. The now-international para fencer was a footballer and athlete before a mishap bound him to a wheelchair.

A crippling back injury cut short his footballing career, but not his spirit. The tale of the winner of a bronze medal at the 9th Senior National Athletics Championship, Vasudha Zora says, is as motivational as they get.

“Giving my all to the beautiful game, I quickly developed into a national-level footballer, but an unfortunate accident in 1990, in which my spinal cord got damaged, abruptly curtailed my growth. The sportsman and fighter in me pushed me to try my hand at shot put and javelin, neither of which clicked. It was in the year 2007 that I took up fencing as a sport, and have been training under coach Irom Deban Singh. Now, fencing is my passion,” the humble world-class athlete said.

He has “proudly” represented the country in para fencing at the IWAS World Cup Wheelchair and Amputee Games in Taiwan, Asian Para Games in China, IWRS Wheelchair Fencing World Cup in Germany, Canada, Hungary, Poland, Georgia and Poland.

He is a certified fencing coach approved by the International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports’ Federation, and has been training at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium over the past one year. He shared with News Trail that he currently trains seven para fencers at the stadium and is looking for sponsorship, “as most players are financially under par to afford the equipment required for the sport”.

An internationally-approved Lame suit costs Rs 45,000, a face mask costs another Rs 15,000, followed by weapons, foil, sabre and epee that cost a little over Rs 14,000. A special wheelchair for fencers is an added expense.

“Sports Authority of India provides some equipment, but more is required to make more fencers champions,” he said. Thyagarajan reveals that fencers who win gold in Nationals are awarded Rs 2 lakh, followed by silver medal winners who are given Rs 1 lakh and bronze medal winners Rs 50,000. The scope of the sport for both able bodied and para fencers is growing and the future of Indian fencing looks bright with a number of international encounters being organised, he believes.

“To make the most of the opportunity,” he said, “we need more fencers and support to represent the country. We are just a group of sportspersons on wheelchairs wanting to prove ourselves to the world and win medals for our country.” On being asked about the age limit and fitness levels for fencing, he said there is no age limit for para fencing athletes.

“Fitness is graded under A, B and C categories. Those whose movements are limited because of polio or spinal cord injury and amputees are other categories, but it all depends on the flexibility of the upper body and agility in the arms.” In the recent Commonwealth Games, his dream to win a medal for the country was dashed.

Thyagarajan could not make it to Birmingham, England, as he fell short of funds for travel and stay. “Unfortunately, athletes themselves have to bear most of the expenses due to a failed support system, besides misinterpretation of government and other sporting agency directives,” he rued. Venkatesh Babu and Raghavendra, who enrolled alongside him, went on to win medals in the tournament.

“I was very close to collecting the necessary amount, for I managed Rs 5 lakh. But as a para fencer, I needed to be escorted, making the flight tickets and added accommodation unaffordable for me. I withdrew with a heavy heart, but am happy that my friends won. I have found generous supporters in my family, coach, friends and well-wishers. I am also indebted to the Department of Youth Services and Sports, WFASI, KSPH, NA Haris, MLA of Shanti Nagar, and many others in the sports industry for their kind support and encouragement,” Thyagarajan went on to add.