New Delhi: Prasanta Karmakar, the only Indian to make a splash in Para-swimming, is all set to leave the pool for pedals and will be seen setting the tracks on fire at the Hero Asian Cycling Championship in the national capital on March 5.
The loss of swimming could be the gain for cycling as there is no age bar for Para-Cycling unlike in swimming where athletes beyond 33 cannot participate. And Karmakar is ready to cash in on the opportunity as the Indian poster boy in the Para-Olympic world is determined to recreate the magic as a Para-cyclist during the road races at the Buddha International Circuit.
The Commonwealth Games bronze-medalist's never-say-die attitude has always helped him go that extra mile even after losing a part of his right hand in a road accident when he was only seven years old. And he promises not to let the disability come in the way of him heading into the uncharted territory of cycling.
“I never shy away from a challenge. Although it’s the first time I am participating in a Para-cycling event in my life, I am confident of making an impact in the sport. Even swimming happened by chance in my life. I didn’t know then that I would do the country proud one day. Why should I not be optimistic about my chances in cycling?’’ justifies the Arjuna awardee.
Karmakar created history by becoming the first Indian Para-athlete to win a medal at the 2010 Common Wealth Games (CWG) and followed it up with silver and bronze medals for the country in the Para Asian Games in Guangzhou (China) in 2010.
Now he would be seen in a new avatar, competing in the para-cycling segment of the Hero Asian Cycling Championship, in which cyclists from four countries participating in the event, including India.
Karmakar has been practicing for the event in the lead up to the Championship. The swimmer turned cyclist has currently made the Indira Gandhi Velodrome his home, "I have been putting in at least 2 to 3 hours every day in the run up to this event and am enjoying the run completely," added the Haryana-based athlete.
The Para-cycling event will be a prelude to the main championships, beginning from March 7 to 17 at the IG Sports Complex and Buddha International Circuit (BIC) F1 track.
Karmakar, who was honored with the prestigious Arjuna award for 2010 in the disabled category, will be a top draw during the one-day event. The fighter in Karmakar is hard to miss when the 33-year-old asserts, “I had lost my hand in a road accident but that did deter me from participating in a Para-cycling event which will be on the road. So what if I don’t have a part of my hand? I am fearless and will never give up.’’
The multi-task athlete is looking forward to his coaching stint as well, saying, ''The Haryana Government has cleared the decks for my job as an Assistant swimming coach in the sports department. I hope to be engaged soon.''
Karmakar has been responsible for bringing in recognition to sportsperson in the disabled category as a Para-swimmer. Now his switch over to cycling may do a world of good to Para-cycling as well.
By Indian Sports News Network
