‘A disability doesn’t need to define your life’: Mark Dharmai, The new world no. 3

Mark Dharmai, a 4-foot-2-inch sportsman who passed all the hurdles in his life became World No. 3 in para-badminton.

The 32 year old fisherman from Mumbai’s Chambai village in Bandra was born with severe disability, said, “A disability doesn’t need to define your life,” wherein his legs were twisted on the outside.

Mark completed his schooling and graduation from St Andrews. With his mother’s support and motivation he opted sports into his life. And he said that it has always fascinated him. Sharing his childhood scenes he said, “My childhood was a very traumatic one, especially for my mother who is a saint. Despite all the challenges, she has brought me up. Instrumental in the induction of sport has been my uncle and cousin, both of whom are accomplished able-bodied football and hockey players. But unlike them, I have excelled in badminton, discuss and shot put.”

It really is a jaw dropping news to know that Mark haven’t taken any formal training in para-badminton and went on to win a National championship beside his many laurels. Due to lack of funds, he had to give up and go back to his fisherman business.

“I took to Badminton because of the challenges that l faced with my lower body disability. It is actually an acute deformity. Playing an individual sport was the only option because members of our dwarf community have very low self-esteem, remain closeted and underground, and are spread-out over the country,” Mark said.

Mark’s friends and community members sponsored him to resume his career. The 32-year-old braved the odds went on to achieve a world ranking of 10th in the men's singles category, and world ranking of 3rd in the men's doubles and mixed doubles category. As he had to represent India in five upcoming tournaments he teamed up with fueladream.com to fund two tournaments through a campaign highlighting his achievements, his plight and his need for funds.

With an extraordinary response, they raised close to Rs 4 lakh in the first five days. The goal of the campaign has now been extended to Rs 8.85 lakh – additional funds which will now be used for two more events.

He said, “I’ve never considered giving up my dream, whatever roadblocks have plagued the way. I hope to make India proud, but I also hope to inspire people – a disability doesn’t need to define your life. The only person in control of your destiny is you.”