“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them” - Walt Disney. Shiv was two years old when Polio took away the use of his legs and he became dependent on calipers and crutches. His love for sports gave him courage despite his restricted physical moments. His passion for learning wheelchair tennis became evident when he started learning by observing online videos of other players like Stephane Houdet (No. 1 wheelchair tennis player), Shingo Kunieda – former No. 1 in wheelchair tennis and many more since Shiv doesn’t have a coach. By the age of 28 Shiv has participated in national and international tournaments. He is working towards his dream of one day participating in the Paralympics. He has represented India in the International Wheelchair Tennis Championship held in Bangkok in September 2015. Shiv, along with his fellow athletes, has founded an NGO called the Divyaang Myithri Sports Academy (DMSA) to encourage Paralympic sports.

How many Tennis Tournament have you participated in so far? Which one was the most memorable one?S: So far have attended 5 tournaments listed below and the results:

• India Nationals at 2014 – Singles and Doubles – First Round.
• India Nationals at 2015 – Singles – Second Round . Doubles – Semifinals.
• Kittu Wheelchair Tennis Tournament in Chennai at 2015 – Singles – Quarter and Doubles – Finals (Runners).
• Astha Wheelchair Tennis Tournament – 2016 – Singles – Winner.
• Bangkok Open – Thailand – 2015 – Singles – First Round, Runner in Consolation round.

How did you train yourself for the Wheelchair tennis? What kind of challenges do you face?S: Tennis is physically demanding, got to be in good shape always so I practice yoga and meditation and 45 mins of Tennis practice every day.
Challenges: To compete at international level you need advanced equipments (Quikie / RGK Wheelchair) which we lack here and we need more tennis court access for wheelchair tennis.

Which one of your achievement is closest to you heart and why?S: Astha Tournament, Its closet to my heart because of two reasons 1) This was my first tournament as Winner. 2) Had to beat a tough competitor twice in same tournament.

At what age did you start playing tennis? Do you like any other sports?S: I’ve been practice wheelchair tennis since 2014 and I follow Cricket, soccer and UFC.

Who is your favorite player in international tennis today? What do you like about his/her game?S: My all-time favorite player is Roger Federer and no one to beat is single handed back hand.

who is your inspiration?S: My mom, she never gave up on me.

What are your other hobbies?S: Love playing wheelchair basketball and part of an NGO called Divyaang Myithri Sports Academy which works towards development of para- sports and Athletes.

What do you like to do when you are with your family?S: Haven’t spent much time with family, Should figure it out.

How can sports play an important role for our special children?S: Sports is very important to all with Special Children should become mandatory as it helps to fight within the mental notion being called special and brings out best in you.

Any special message for our community?S: Para-sports is played at very high competitive levels, don’t look at it as a community services or charity.