Para athlete seeks TN govt's support

Chennai, March 29 (IANS) S Fathima Beevi, 40, hailing from Tirupurakundram in Tamil Nadu, has sought financial assistance from state government to participate in the national table tennis para championship, to be held on April 27, at Indore, Madhya Pradesh.

The para athlete, who hails from a humble background, won silver in the para table tennis championship on March 12, thus qualifying for the national.

Fathima Beevi, paralysed from her waist due to polio since she was eight months old, continued her education, graduated and won several medal in various sports.

Talking to IANS, she said: "I was mocked during my school days due to my physical condition. It was coach Ranjith who helped me overcome that trauma, and with passion and hard work, I won several medals in the javelin, shot put, and discuss throw."

Fathima Beevi said that she faced several obstacles in life and sailed through it with the support her mother.

The para athlete said that she turned to table tennis quite late in life and it was the relentless pursuit and support extended to her by table tennis coach Balaji that transformed her life.

She said that she has requested the state government to provide her Rs 50,000 for her travel and boarding expenses.

"If proper training is provided to me, I will be able to win several tournaments and competitions," she claimed.

Fathima Beevi also said that she is practicing at her home herself as she is unable to afford Rs 400 daily travel expense to the table tennis court.

"I am now practicing from my home as I don't have a vehicle and spending Rs 400 per day as travel expenses is out of bounds for me. I am not able to afford the travel and other expenses for the training and in fact, professional training is important before playing in a major tournament like nationals," she said.

Besides, Fathima Beevi said that she is an orator, had participated in several competitions and won prizes and also directed a movie 'Maa'.