Achievements in sport are always a crowning glory for any athlete and more so for a differently abled person. . Struggles of such an athlete often make an inspiring tale. Twenty-eight-year-old Manikanadan Kumar has been a consistent performer in international para-climbing contests over the years. During this season, he won silver medals at World Rock Climbing Championships in Gijon, Spain and at the International Climbing Championship in Austria in August. He is in midst of preparations for the World meet at London on October 5.
Mani, whose right leg was lost to polio chose to pursue a career in adventure sport . He started climbing in 2001 and almost immediately began competing despite the fact that there was no ‘Para climbing’ category in India. Mani made a steady progress and his latent talent was recognised by the climbing fraternity. After strenuous training, Mani got a chance to represent India at the World Rock Climbing Championships 2012 in France and won a gold Medal in the para category. In 2013, at the Para Climbing Cup Series and the London Open 2013, he won the silver medal.
His parents rallied to support him and the State Youth and Sports Department also lend him a helping hand. Bangalore-based Urban Climbers, a company that is promoting climbing activities has sponsored Mani for international tournaments.
Chandrasekhar M, Founder, Urban Climbers says, “We are proud of his achievements in climbing tournaments. We are confident that with right support and mentoring, he has the potential to become a champion climber.”
Mani acknowledges that his rise in the sport was made possible by such support. “It took some time before help came my way. Besides Urban Climbers, I am thankful to the General Thimmayya National Adventure Academy for sponsoring my air tickets to competitions. My aim is to win as many medals for the country as possible,”says Mani.“This is my only passion and my whole revolves around challenging the heights and I will keep doing it as long as possible,” signs off the climber, before starting his daily practice at Sree Kanteerva Stadium’s artificial wall.
source : the hindu.com