The Brown Scooter - January Edition

TBS: Who is your inspiration and what motivates you to keep going
VS: One of the most inspiring people in my life is Mr. Rajaram Ghah. He is a paralympic
swimmer who swam across the English Channel and also a receiver of the Chatrapati Shivaji
Award. I have learnt a lot from him and he is someone who keeps me going. He has also
modified the car that he drives, and suggested me to do the same. And now since 6 months, I
have been driving too, thanks to him! I turn to him whenever I need to get a dose of motivation.
TBS: What are the challenges India faces, in terms of promoting sports like wheelchair
fencing
VS: Funding is one major issue. The National Association reserves funds for sportsmen who
represent the country in events like Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and the Olympics.
Also, fencing is a very expensive game. The best kits come for not less than Rs. 3 lakhs. Since
the game isn’t funded, we sportsmen have to travel to international games at our own cost. So
someone who is passionate but isn’t financially stable, will face a lot of hiccups in fulfilling their
dreams. Secondly, this sport isn’t popular among women. India has no sportswoman
representing the country in the wheelchair fencing; majorly because of lack of training and
financial conditions. It is very important to overcome this obstacle and inspire more people to
come forward and play the game.
TBS: What’s next for you this year
VS: Train harder, win more international events, improve my ranking and represent India at the
Paralympics in 2016. This year, I have 7 international events to look forward to, and I’m working
very hard towards raising funds and winning them all.
TBS: We wish you lots of luck
for this year, and hope you
succeed during the 2016
Paralympics and take Indian
sports to a new level.
Meanwhile, others can support
Vibhas and donate or fund him
for his contributions by getting
in touch with him directly at
vibhas.sen@gmail.com.