The inspiring story of overcoming hurdles, Umair Ahmed's success story in the world of blind Tennis

Umair Ahmed's story is a tale of determination to overcome multiple hurdles in life and carve a path to success. He has become a role model for youth in the world of blind Tennis with some stellar performances.

Miryalaguda (Telangana):Coming from a poor family, Shaikh Umair Ahmed from Miryalaguda in Telangana has carved a niche in blind tennis and became a role model for the youth after crossing obstacles caused by a childhood accident affecting his eyesight. ETV Bharat brings a special story on Shaikh Umair Ahmed from Miryalaguda, who is excelling at the national level in blind tennis, which is not a very popular sport in the country.

He lost vision in a minor accident Umair Ahmed, the son of Sheikh Janimia-Khamrunnisa of the Mirayalaguda's NSP camp, has been active in studies since childhood. While playing at home in the third grade, the door lock's bolt stung his left eye and he lost eyesight. As per the doctor's advice, the vision in the right eye also decreased further after undergoing surgery. This leaves only the sight to recognise colours.

Lessons with the help of a recorder...

While his father was supporting the family by house painting, Umair faced troubles with his eyesight. Despite his troubles, he aimed to study hard and get a job. Although he was unable to see the blackboard in school or college, he used to listen and record the lessons given by the teachers with the help of a recorder, along with his friends. In 2014, he scored 872 marks in HEC and stood first at the state level. Later, he completed his degree in Nizam College and PG through distance education and is currently working as a junior assistant in Ootlapally Zilla Parishad School.

Ability in blind tennis...

While doing PG through distance education, he came to know about blind sports through his visually impaired friends. In 2019, he attended the two-day workshop on blind tennis held in Mumbai and,impressed the organisers with his talent. Later, he received two tennis balls, which are only available in Japan. But, they have been damaged after a month.

However, with the help of another friend, he brought 12 balls and practised regularly at Koti Osmania Medical College in Hyderabad. In 2020, he participated in the national-level blind tennis competition held in Patiala, Punjab and won the second prize. He was selected for the international competition.

However, due to Corona, he was unable to go to the international competitions held in Italy. On January 9 and 10, he participated in the national-level competition held in Panaji, Goa, along with Ibrahim from Karimnagar, and once again won the second prize.

Win with a strong goal

'' Even if we don't have perfect eyesight.. with strong aim we can win in games. Tennis for the blind is not well known and not that much appreciated in our country. The game is to hit a ball that makes a sound according to that sound. The government should encourage those who excel in sports despite being disabled. There will be a chance to bring a good name to the country'' Umair Ahmed remarked.