'Silent Games' from tomorrow

From: Mid-Day Mumbai, India - 25 Nov 2002

By: PTI
November 25,2002

New Delhi: They won't be reacting to the starter's gun but they will try to set the tracks ablaze in the 11th National Athletic Championship of the Deaf beginning here tomorrow.

Around 455 deaf atheletes from 18 states are expected to participate in the 11th edition of the Championship being held here for the first time since its inception.

Gujarat has send the largest contingent to the three-day meet which will see competition in events ranging from long jump to marathon.

But all is not hunky-dory for the Championship as the organisers complained that they did not get any assistance from the Delhi government even though the deaf athletes have done the country proud in events like 'Deafalympics'.

"Most of these atheletes have to spend from their own pocket to participate in national and international events, hence many talented people are left out in the process," said Prabha Rai, Chairperson of the Delhi Sports Council of the Deaf urging the government to promote such talent.

"Often people are not able to empathise with deaf people's sufferings because their anguish is not visible," she said.

"This event offers them a chance to show their level of ability and performance."

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