“I have been crazy about cricket since my childhood. I used to play cricket in school and streets regardless of burning heat in the summer or freezing cold in winters.”
[Atif, 32, shared his experiences at a gathering at a private university]
“Even though I was an average student, my parents wanted me to focus on my studies. But I was absolutely crazy about cricket. I was also beaten up by my parents to study and leave cricket. But my passion for the game increased day by day. I was recognized as one of the best fast bowlers among my fellows.”
“One day at a school cricket tournament, I was approached by a PCB official. He wanted me to appear in trials for the selection of the Under-19 cricket team. I went for the trials and to my surprise I was selected in the national Under-19 cricket team. The team was to participate in an international tournament in just a couple of months.”
“That day was the happiest and the most exciting day of my life. Although I hadn’t told anything to my family as yet, I wanted to surprise them with my national cricket team uniform. Finally the day arrived. I took my uniform and was on my way back home. I met an unfortunate road accident en route and I lost my both legs.”
“I was shattered. Broken. I knew my life had gone upside down in a matter of moments. I wanted to end my life. I wasn’t looking forward to whatever lay in store for me.”
[His eyes were wet. The voice was shivering]
“But one day I read the biography of a famous basketball athlete who was fighting a rare disease. That biography revealed that he was heartbroken and used to curse his luck. He used to regularly wonder why fate had chosen him as the unfortunate one. One day he realized that if he hadn’t cried over his success then why should he cry over destiny?”
“After reading the biography, my life took a U-turn. I was motivated to accept my circumstances and to serve humanity as much I could.”
[Atif’s eyes were sparkling with hope]
“Obviously, because of my physical condition I need assistance. But I have always tried to overcome the limitations and lead as full a life as possible. The world worries about disability more than the differently-abled people do. But I have also started helping them stand on their own. I advise them to not regret whatever has happened to them. Don’t let your spirit be disabled.”