Valediction function for Differently-abled Judo champions
Valediction function for 3 differently-abled Judo champions was held at Nehru Stadium, Chennai. These 3 Judo champions will be participating in the Commonwealth Judo championship event to be held from 23rd to 28th April in South Africa. This event was organized by organized by the NGO’Lit the Light’. Mr. W.I. Dawaram IPS Retd (Chairman of Tamil Nadu Para Judo association) was the chief guest for the event. He wished the Champions and presented the sport equipments to them. This Commonwealth Judo championship is the qualifier for Para Olympics to be held in Rio.
These three Judo champions are visually challenged and have already bagged many medals in National and International levels:
Ms. Vijayasanthi has bagged Gold medal in the National blind and deaf para Judo championship (Women – 48 Kgs) held at Lucknow in 2015-16. She has bagged Bronze at Asian para games (Women – 52 Kgs) in 2014 held at South Korea.
Mr. J. Manoharan has bagged Gold medal in the National blind and deaf para Judo championship (Men – 73 Kgs) held at Lucknow in 2015-16. He has bagged Bronze at Asian para games (Men – 73 Kgs) in 2014 held at South Korea.
Ms. M. Susila has bagged Gold medal in the National blind and deaf para Judo championship (Women) held at Goa in 2014-15. She has bagged Gold medal in the National blind and deaf para Judo championship (Women) held at Lucknow in 2015-16.
It is to be noted that among 5 Judo champions representing India in the tournament, 3 of them belong to Tamil Nadu. We would like to mention that though these Visually challenged champions represent India in the Common wealth Judo games, there is no financial support provided by the sports ministry for them and the complete financial assistance for the travel of 3 champions and their Coach has been arranged by Team ‘Lit The Light’.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Barath founder of ‘Lit the Light’ explained the activities of Lit the Light especially in encouraging differently-abled sportsperson. Mr. Barath in his speech has said “I request the government and the sports ministry to increase their support for differently-abled sports, enabling us to identify new talent and to encourage them.”
“I thank all those who supported the Champions and wish the champions for victory” he added.