“Even before my sister and I were conceived, many people told my parents that even we could potentially develop a disability, since they’ve both been deaf since birth. However, we’ve only managed to be the link between them and the world, being both their ears and their voices, when the world fails to understand sign language.
My parents met during their practice sessions for the 1985 Deaflympics in Delhi. By 1994, they were married. My dad says that it was love at first sight for him. My mother doesn’t disagree either. Fortunately, their families accepted and got them married soon. For many years, they have been each others’ biggest strength. Being born with a hearing disability, both of them faced a lot of challenges growing up. While my mother learnt sign language from a friend only when she was almost in her teens, dad couldn’t communicate with his own family because they didn’t understand sign language. That’s not it! Even professionally, the two of them faced hardships to learn the sport and prove themselves. However, their love for Table Tennis is what pushed them further. It’s the same love that brought them together too!
Post marriage, my dad continued to play, while having a full-time job. He didn’t want to give up on his first love, neither did he ask my mom to. She, however, chose to coach young kids who had lost their hearing ability. My sister and I also grew up learning the sign language from our mother even before we learnt to speak, so we could communicate with both our parents and the rest of the family. They have often felt left out at family gatherings and social events, but the two of us have tried to be the bridge between them and the world. They have been medalists in different game formats, multiple times, be it the Deaflympics or the Asian Games. My parents are truly an inspiration to me. More than their career and passion, it’s their love for each other that makes me believe that true love exists and it’s not defined by your abilities or background.”
#Deaflympics #LosAngeles #AsianGames #Tabletennis #Signlanguage #Voiceout #Strength #Acceptance #Family #Love #Communicate #Sports #Inspire #Champions #Equality #Motherslove #Hyderabad #HumansofHyderabad