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Quint Impact: Wheelchair Basketballers to Dribble to Bangkok

With the push given by The Quint, the Indian Wheelchair Basketball team has received funding from the government.

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India
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The Indian Wheelchair Basketball team of India is a happy lot today. Soon, they will be wheeling their way to the Mumbai airport to fly to Bangkok and win laurels.

On 16 February 2018, we at The Quint published an article seeking financial help for the Indian Wheelchair Basketball men and women’s teams to be able to participate at the Asian Para Games Qualifiers.

With the help of well-wishers and sports enthusiasts, the Wheelchair Basketball Federation of India had managed to gather enough funds for the registration fees. They even managed to rope in Australian coach Thomas Kyle to train the players. But with no money for flight tickets, their dreams were put on hold.

Less than a week after the article was published, the Federation received a call from the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs saying the government will take care of all their travel expenses.

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The men and women wheelchair basketball teams have been the first ever from India to win a historic bronze internationally at the 4th Bali Cup International Tournament in 2017.

With the push given by The Quint, the Indian Wheelchair Basketball team has received funding from the government.
Introducing the Wheelchair Basketball of India
(Photo Courtesy: Madhavi Latha)
We are so happy to receive the funding. We wanted to concentrate on practice for the Qualifiers and now we are relieved.
Madhavi Latha, President, Wheelchair Basketball Federation Of India

The teams require a space for practice, disabled-friendly accommodation, certified coaches and referees, advanced wheelchairs and secure jobs – as their families continue to struggle for basic needs.

The have also requested the Sports Ministry for affiliation with the government.
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If you talk to the players, what they really want is an audience!

We have been winning but without any applause or cheers. It will be nice for people to come and watch us play and even play with us!
Vinolya Violet, National Wheelchair Basketball Player
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If you want to help the Wheelchair Basketball Federation of India, here’s how you can:

Wheelchair Basketball Federation of India Contact Details: wbfiindia@gmail.com/98416 09601

Bank Account Details:
State Bank of India
Mahalingapuram Branch, Chennai
Account Number:
34446445124
IFSC:
SBIN0007105

(If anyone wishes to contribute, please verify the credentials of the account holder with the contact number mentioned above. The Quint takes no responsibility regarding the transfer or subsequent use of the funds.)

(The Quint, in association with BitGiving, has launched a crowdfunding campaign for an 8-month-old who was raped in Delhi on 28 January 2018. The baby girl, who we will refer to as 'Chhutki', was allegedly raped by her 28-year-old cousin when her parents were away. She has been discharged from AIIMS hospital after undergoing three surgeries, but needs more medical treatment in order to heal completely. Her parents hail from a low-income group and have stopped going to work so that they can take care of the baby. You can help cover Chhutki's medical expenses and secure her future. Every little bit counts. Click here to donate.)

(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)

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Topics:  Basketball   Paralympics 

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