Double amputee Suyash Jadhav dreams of medal in Rio Paralympic Games

Suyash Jadhav, 22, had never thought he would grab so much attention, especially after losing both his hands to a loose electric wire.
Jadhav was in the sixth standard when he touched a loose electric wire and received a massive jolt. The result was that both his hands had to be amputated just short of his elbow. Fifteen years later, Jadhav became the first Indian para swimmer to record the 'A' qualifying mark for 2016 Paralympics in Rio.His aim is to not just represent but also win India's first Paralympic medal in swimming.
Jadhav is from a family that values swimming very much. His father was a national level swimmer who wanted his son to follow in his footsteps and even better the senior's achievement.
Little Suyash was par for course and had learnt swimming in his native Solapur but for a tragedy when in the 6th standard.
"Initially I did not feel the loss of my hands as my parents, who were anyway feeding me, continued to do so for few more years. It was only later when I became a teenager that they asked me to take care of daily needs myself. Even I felt the need of my hands then.
"But not for minute was I disappointed and I quickly learnt to get through my daily chores without any problem," says Jadhav.
It was during a family's visit to a shrine that awakened the swimmer in him. "My parents were inside the shrine and I was in the care of my uncle. I wanted to dive into the temple tank and swim but he dissuaded me. But I nevertheless jumped in and swam with ease. Thereafter life had been one long beautiful journey," said Jadhav.
"I learnt swimming with my arms and I started competing and even won prizes. That encouraged my family and they gave me good support," said Jadhav.
When he achieved A qualifying for the Paralympics, his family's joy was great. "I have had no regrets losing my hands. Maybe I would have become a good swimmer and probably competed in the National or international meets. But look at where our swimmers are. There are virtually no chance for medals even in Asiad.
"I am glad that my disability had given me the opportunity to compete at the highest level. In fact, the disability had turned my life for the better," says Jadhav.
He however, thanks the Indusind Bank for bearing the expenses of his training and preparation. "It is one thing to dream big but it is another thing to receive that kind of support from somebody. I am thankful that I was selected by Indusind Bank's Umang programme that they started to support disabled athletes like me," he signs off.