Despite fund crunch, para paddler brings home bronze

Surat: With over 75 percent disability, Bhavika Kukadia (27) not only has to fight her disability but financial crisis too. But that does not dent her spirit, as despite any sponsorship, the table tennis pl;ayer from the city recently participated in an international para table tennis championship in Jordan and won a bronze medal.The paddler born with cerebral palsy who won the medal at ITTF Fa20 Al-Watani Para Championships 2023, Amman, Jordan in women’s single category, is now planning to repay her loan from awards in the coming days. Kukadiya started walking only after she turned 5 and that too with great difficulty. After completing studies, she started working while also developing a love for sporting activities. Kukadia, a diploma computer engineering started working as a data operator to support her family financially, but wants to do something bigger in her life. The family has limited financial resources as her father and elder brother work as tailors and have a shop in Palanpur Jakat Naka area. Her brother is recovering from a critical health condition that pushed the family into a financial quagmire. “I am happy that I could win a medal in an international event and prove my abilities. Financial limitations are there but I look forward to a better future and support,” said Kukadia. “Bhavika is hard working, dedicated, disciplined and has a focus on representing India. There were not many tournaments for para players earlier, but now awareness is growing,” said Hraday Desai, Kukadia’s coach. “There should be an arrangement for more financial encouragement for these players now,” he added.