National-level para-athlete Gulfam Ahmed was inflicted with polio at a tender age, but despite that he has won 23 medals in various national and State-level sports tournaments. more-in National-level para-athlete Gulfam Ahmed is fighting to secure a place at the 2018 Asian Paralympics in the ‘Wheelchair Race’ category scheduled in October. Mr. Ahmed needs an advanced wheelchair worth ?1.6 lakh that shall help him compete in the event. An online crowdfunding campaign has raised ?27, 000 for him so far. “To participate in the next level, I need an advanced wheelchair. An online crowdfunding campaign was started, but we have to reach a target of ?1.6 lakh,” said Mr. Ahmed, who lives with his mother, father and younger sister. Inflicted with polio Mr. Ahmed, from Delhi, was inflicted with polio at a tender age but has overcome all odds to win 23 medals in various national and State-level sports tournaments. “I have set my aim to win a medal for India this year. I cleared the State championship on February 25 and have to appear for the national games to be held on March 25 to 29 in Panchkula, Haryana. If I qualify, I will be able to participate in Asian championship in October 2018,” said Mr. Ahmed. Mr. Ahmed, the sole bread earner of the family, has bed-ridden parents who are over 70 years old. “I don’t get any help from my siblings. My only source of income is my job. I work at a private company as a data entry operator. We live in a rented accommodation ,” he added. The athlete picked up the sport around ten years ago after an international coach for paralympics spotted his talent at a marathon. “The sport has taught me that instead of bowing down to my limitations, I can overcome it. This has allowed me to achieve tremendous feats in my life. Today, I feel I have carved a niche for myself in society and am constantly working to create a more suitable world filled with opportunities for people like me,” he said. “My friend Sonam Mehra started the fundraiser for me. I hope we can meet our target before the championship,” he said.

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