July 28, 2019
Kerala team won the national wheelchair rugby championship that was
held in Patna. It was a hard fought win and players hope that this will
finally attract some support and attention from the state
government.
Ten teams from across India sent their best players for the national
wheelchair rugby championship. Talented players from states like Tamil Nadu,
Karnataka, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Bihar, to name a few put up a
remarkable performance at the event held earlier this week. Bihar and Kerala
made it to the finals and Kerala walked off with the top prize.
Ebin Joseph, captain of the Kerala’s wheelchair rugby
team, said the competition offered an opportunity to meet some great players.
Over the past few months, we have been undergoing regular training and
practice sessions. The championship was tough because players from all the
states were super-talented and know the game very well. We are looking
forward to attend more such national championships. It is high time that
wheelchair rugby gets a new lease of life in India. – Ebin Joseph,
Captain, Kerala Wheelchair Rugby Team.
Joseph is gearing up to participate in the upcoming international wheelchair
rugby championship in August at Singapore. “We do not lack for talent. What
we do lack for is government funding and support, especially for our Kerala
team. Most of the state teams have government support, they even get their
travel and other expenses covered. Our team has to pay for travel,
accommodation and food”, says Jospeh.
Joseph hopes to see a change in mindset after this win. Currently, the Kerala
team is using specially made wheelchairs from other states to play the game.
Given that this was their first national championship, the team is thrilled
with the performance.
“Currently, we have to find our own means to support the team. But we are
glad that we could bring home the trophy. It was a great experience to play
with talented players from across India. It was tough competition, especially
the finals against Bihar”, said fellow player Riyas NP.
In spite of so many struggles, the team is hopeful of playing more matches
and focusing on the game. Their love and passion for wheelchair rugby knows
no boundaries.
Source: https://newzhook.com/story/kerala-wheelchair-rugby-team-wins-national-championship
