Xtraspecial
A Gram Sevak at Block Development Office in Mapusa, Chetan Hanumant Salgaonkar travels daily 10 km on his scooter from his home at Colvale to his office. A person with 42 per cent orthopaedic disability at birth, Chetan’s left leg is short and he limps while walking. Also both his hands have underdeveloped fingers. “Two of my fingers in the right hand are missing, and all of the fingers in the left hand are not developed properly. Yet, my love for table tennis is growing day by day and I now have set a goal – to be a NIS certified coach in table tennis.”
Chetan explains, “National Institute of Sports at Patiala trains and educates players in any chosen sports by offering one-year training to enthusiastic sportspersons in their respective field of interest. I have approached the Goa government to send me for this training, but as it is beyond my job profile, I have to go on leave without salary, which is not affordable for me at this point of time. But someday, I will join the training.”
This 35-year-old youth, a commerce graduate who had to swim against the tide during his educational career, agrees that there was nobody who encouraged or motivated him. “Nobody has helped me in my bad times, and I was the only one to give myself company, apart from my parents and siblings. My family has undergone hardships, and I owe much to my home people,” says Chetan, who had to be carried to school by his father till he completed his primary education.
“I had to undergo a surgery in Mumbai to correct my leg. Dr Ashok Zuvari operated on my leg after which I could walk, though limping continued. But this made me independent,” says Chetan who spends most of his time practicing table tennis as he wishes to gain mastery over this game that has given him joy and recognition. After office, he heads to Peddem Sports Complex and plays table tennis till 8.30 pm. This is a weekly routine and only Sunday is his break.
“Since I have a physical disability, table tennis is a favourable and suitable sport for me as it doesn’t require too much running around. I can play the game while standing in one place,” admits Chetan, who has won medals and appreciation in this sport.
He was introduced to this sport during his college days. He tried his luck in the inter-college table tennis contest and stood first in 2009. It was a big boost for him. He began to take interest and develop his skills. He began to prepare for Para sports, and tried two times. His actual career as a TT player began in 2020 after which he succeeded for three consecutive years. He participated in Para National in March 2023 securing 3rd place after which he was qualified to play in the Khelo India in December the same year where he won Bronze.
“I am aiming to get an international entry,” discloses Chetan, at the same time pointing out the shortcomings or drawbacks in table tennis when it comes to persons with disabilities. “We lack education in TT. We need a Para coach for PwDs in Goa. The government should take notice of our requirements and provide us training, guidance and mentorships, to excel in the game and bring name to the State,” he suggests and adds that it is only after one of us, Lloyd Fernandes won a Gold medal that the government realised the potential in PwDs and started recognising the importance of motivation to them.
Chetan is aiming to play in the National championship at Vadodara in Gujarat in March 2025. For Nationals 190 points are counted in the rankings which comes handy to be eligible for ‘Khelo India’ participation claim, he points out.
Apart from table tennis, Chetan loves to travel, and ride pillion in rallies. He can ride a scooter but not a bike, due to his short leg. What he asks the people is to treat all persons with disabilities as normal, and with equality. Chetan did his schooling at St Rita’s High School at Colvale, and HSSC at Dr Ambedkar Higher Secondary and graduated at Saraswat Vidyalaya in Mapusa.
“I was not very good at studies but my favourite subject was computer studies. Technology plays a vital role in the life of a person with a disability by providing them support in their day today life, like neo motion wheelchair and other movable gadgets which are required in day-to-day life. After graduation, I spent five jobless years until I became an LDC at Vidya Prabodhini in 2014. I remember winning first place in the TT tournament for non-teaching staff for the college section in 2015. After four years of working here I became a Gram Sevak in 2018. Now the journey is on, towards achieving another goal – to be a TT coach someday,” concludes Chetan.
