Mahavir, a courageous para cricketer from Chandan Kiyari village in Bojaro district, has achieved a remarkable milestone his selection for the upcoming international Paralympic cricket tournament between India and Sri Lanka.
Scheduled to be held in Colombo from October 6 to 10, this achievement has sparked a wave of pride and joy across Chandan Kiyari and the entire district of Bojaro. Yet, beneath this triumph lies a harsh reality of financial struggle that threatens to dim the bright light of his dreams.
A Childhood Passion Turned Reality
Since childhood, Mahavir Modi harbored a deep passion for cricket, idolizing none other than the legendary Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Playing as a wicketkeeper batsman, Mahavir first made it to the state team back in 2005, fueling his relentless pursuit of excellence.
Over the years, he participated in numerous district and state level disability cricket tournaments, showcasing his talent and dedication.
Breaking Grounds and Facing Challenges
Mahavir’s journey took a significant leap in 2007 when he was selected to represent India’s national para cricket team during a tournament in Delhi.
He continued to shine, earning selection for the Sri Lankan series in Ranchi in 2018, and was also chosen for the India vs Bangladesh bilateral series the same year though visa issues prevented his participation.
However, despite these achievements, Mahavir’s path has been marred by financial struggles. As he candidly shared, “Playing cricket is fine, but the expenses are entirely on the players.
Isell vegetables to support my family, and the costs for air travel, cricket gear, accommodation, and other expenses for the international tournament amount to approximately 60,000 rupees.
simply cannot afford it.” This financial barrier threatens to shatter his dreams of representing India on the global stage.
A Hope for Support and a Dream to Achieve
Mahavir expressed hope that the government and sports authorities will recognize his plight and extend the necessary support to help him realize his ambitions.
“My ultimate goal is to become a part of the Indian Paralympic cricket team and win the World Cup,” he stated with unwavering determination.
His family, including his wife and children, share in his pride and joy over his recent selection, standing as a testament to his resilience and unwavering spirit.
As Mahavir continues to fight against all odds, his story reminds us of the countless unsung heroes whose passion and perseverance deserve recognition and support.
His journey is a poignant call to action highlighting the urgent need for better assistance to talented athletes from marginalized backgrounds, ensuring that no dream remains unfulfilled due to lack of resources.
