Renowned Para swimmer, Mohammad Shams Aalam Shaikh, has long been an advocate for improving the support provided to para-athletes in Bihar. Previously, his discussions centered on the state government’s indifference towards para-athletes and the financial burden placed on them when participating in international competitions. However, on a remarkable turn of events, the state government has offered Shams Aalam a glimmer of hope that promises to transform his career.
Following his commendable performance at the recent Hangzhou Asian Para Games, in which he narrowly missed securing a medal in the men’s 100M breaststroke in the SB4 category, Shams Aalam has received an encouraging message from the Bihar government. The government has pledged to grant him a substantial annual state scholarship of 20 lakhs for his overseas training and exposure tours, aligning with the state’s sports policy to assist national-level gold medallists and international sports personalities from Bihar with financial aid.
This news arrived on the eve of Shams Aalam’s scheduled meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with the Hangzhou Para Asiad contingent, at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in the capital. Expressing his elation, Shams Aalam remarked, “I am very happy with my performance at Hangzhou, where I showcased significant improvement. Despite achieving a Personal Best timing of 2:24.05 in the men’s 100M breaststroke in the SB4 category, I fell just short of securing a podium finish. However, I received a message from the sports director in the Bihar government today, assuring their support.”
He added, “The government has asked me to focus on the preparation and participation in international competitions, and they will handle the financial aspects. This support will prove invaluable to athletes like me, as we usually bear the expenses associated with participating in foreign competitions, often critical for Paralympic qualification.”
With this newfound support from the Bihar government, Shams Aalam’s dreams of participating in the 2024 Paris Paralympics have received a significant boost. The funding will enable him to solely concentrate on securing his spot in the prestigious event, with the cutoff date for qualification set for June 27, 2024. Shams Aalam is now determined to achieve this milestone, building on his reputation as the first Indian swimmer in his category to participate in consecutive Asian Para Games.
In addition to the scholarship, Shams Aalam will continue to prepare for his future competitions, including an invitational meet in Croatia this December, which serves as a Paralympic qualification event. He also plans to finalize his training programs in either Australia or the United States, recognized as premier training destinations for swimmers.
This opportunity signifies a turning point for Shams Aalam and promises a brighter future for para-athletes in Bihar, as the state government acknowledges the importance of supporting their athletic pursuits.
