Srinagar: A physically challenged employee of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) was among the few such players from the state to represent Jammu and Kashmir in the Deaf India Premiere League being played at Amritsar from February 24 to March 1.
According to a statement issued to KNS, “Imran Khan, having impaired hearing and speech works as a computer operator in the SMC’s City Drainage Civil Division was granted permission by SMC commissioner Dr G N Qasba to participate in the league.”
Khan, who is also the general secretary of Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association of Deaf not only brought victory to the state in Deaf IPL 2014 but was also declared man of the match besides rewarded with a cash prize of RS/- 4000.
On this rare feat and active participation in sports activities, SMC commissioner Dr Qasba not only granted him leave and permission but distributed sweets to encourage him and celebrated his success with SMC officials. “This is a proud moment for the SMC to have its employees, despite all odds, not giving up and participating in games,” said Dr Qasba.
He said such people should be a role model for all those facing challenges physically. Despite physically challenged khan “has not only brought laurels to the state but has indicated a message that a person should not allow any physical challenge to become a handicap in one’s life,” said Qasba.