Para-Fencer Vibash keen to win medal in Rio
Mumbai, December 25: Para fencing champion, Vibash Sen believes that the sport is not developing in the country is because of the lack of interest from all quarters.
“Fencing, in particular Para-Fencing in not getting the support and backing from the concerned association and officials and that’s the main problem why no one wants to take up playing the sport,” lamented the Para-Athlete Vibash from Thane, who was a guest to witness the kids participating in different games during the second day of the inaugural Sports For All (SFA)-India’s Premier Inter-School Sporting System, at the D.Y. Patil Sports Stadium, Nerul on Friday.
The Fencing associations (Fencing Association of India and the Fencing Association of Maharashtra) have not been very helpful. There are not many competitions for us to participate in and that makes it difficult to get competitive practice. I practice at a school auditorium in Malad (West) under the guidance of Santosh Shejwal, who is one of the few (three) coaches in Mumbai,”’ said Vibash.
He also feels that since Fencing is an expensive sport that could be another reason why it is not popular as the other sports in the country.
Vibash points out that to participate in tournaments if very expensive and that besides his training regime he also has to take care of getting the funds to fulfil his ambition. “Despite being a national-level I have no sponsors and have to look out for funds on my own. I get support from my family members and friends who come forward to encourage me. I am praying and hoping to rope in a sponsor to fulfil my dream of participating in the 2016 Rio Paralympics and hope to win an Olympic medal for India,” he honestly said.
The Thane Para-Athlete also mentioned that he started with swimming before switching to fencing. “I was first a swimmer and participated in National-level Para swimming events. I have won two National Para Swimming events and may district events before fencing caught my eye. I found fencing quite fascinating as it is the type of sport that requires skill and application of mind. It is more like playing chess as each and every move has to be calculated,” Said Vibash who has won three medals in the National Para Fencing championship held in Chhattisgarh last year and has also won medal at the international tournament in Hong Kong last year.
Vibash feels that Sports For All is a great initiative undertaken by Rishikesh to promote sports at the grassroots level.
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