PUNE: Two paraplegic soldiers displayed the highest standard of grit and determination in the recently concluded 22nd National Para Swimming Championships at Guwahati and won the medals for the Services team.
One of their great strengths is their ability to take it on the chin. And they have proved it in the letter and spirit in the competition.
Sepoy Dipak Burman, who has post-traumatic paraplegia and has undergone two spinal surgeries in the past, triumphed with a gold medal in a 100-meter backstroke. He also displayed his best effort in the 100-meter freestyle event but missed the gold medal by a whisker bagging silver in this event. In addition, he also won a silver Medal in 50 Meter Backstroke. So, three medals in one event proved his mettle.
"He got the in-house inspiration figure - another swimmer Wing Commander Shantanu, ace swimmer - who won medals in the national and international events already. He started practising in 2020 and has made excellent progress in his performance. And it is already resulting in the form of medals. It is a big win for him to bolster his confidence overall in life," said a senior army officer, who did not wish to be named.
His buddy, Sepoy Akhil T, despite his severe disability, fought all odds and completed his performance with the fifth position in the 50-meter backstroke category.
Such a splendid performance reveals their strength of character.
Life dealt them an unfortunate hand leading to life-changing spine injuries in the line of duty. But with the help of the dedicated spinal cord injury team at Military Hospital Kirkee and the support of family and friends they have achieved superhuman feats that even able-bodied individuals would struggle to do.
The Paralympic Committee of India organised the 22nd national para swimming championship at Guwahati from November 11-13. The paraplegic patients from the spinal cord injury centre, Military Hospital Kirkee represented the Services para-swimming team in the competition.
The Indian Armed forces look after its soldiers, both in war and peace. Soldiers with spinal cord injuries are nursed back to health and rehabilitated at the spinal cord injury centre at Military Hospital Kirkee in Pune.
"The process is painful and frustrating both for the injured and for the team caring for him. But perseverance pays off, albeit slowly. Dedicated clinicians, nursing staff, and rehabilitation experts work round the clock in this state-of-the-art centre to bring hope and new meaning to the lives of post-trauma paraplegics," said the Southern Command authorities.
The centre at Military Hospital Kirkee strives to provide rehabilitation and social reintegration sorely needed for such patients.
Army Paralympic Node (APN) at BEG Kirkee played an instrumental role in paving the path for success at this National level event.
