By Dr. Syed Ahmed, for TwoCircles.net,
Imphal: Chesam Riyaz Khan (27) who won one gold, one silver and two bronze medals at the Vth National Wheelchair Fencing Championships was feted at a function held at Minuthong Golapati in Imphal on 6 January 2013 by Golapati United Youth Organization.
Riyaz Khan speaking at the program.
The Vth National Wheelchair Fencing Championships, held at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneshwar in Odisha from December 28 to 30, was organized by Orissa Wheelchair Fencing Association under the aegis of Wheelchair Fencing Federation of India.
The Manipur Wheelchair Fencing team had lifted the Overall Team Champion’s Trophy. Manipur team won 8 gold, 5 silver and 6 bronze medals in the championship.
The reception programme of Riyaz Khan was attended by Secretary of Manipur State Minorities Commission Dr. Raheijuddin Sheikh, Senior Advocate and Ex-General Secretary of All Manipur Bar Association Alhaj Md. Abdul Qaiyum, Social Worker Md. Abdul Malik, Revenue Officer Alhaj Md. Karim, Youth Officer of Department of Youth Affairs ad Sports Farizuddi Ahmed Shah and Imam of Golapati Jame Masjid Maulana Tajuddin as dias members.
Riyaz Khan being honored.
Speakers at the gathering lauded the achievement of Riyaz Khan and reiterated the need for promoting games and sports among the Muslim youths in the State. Farizuddin said Muslims in the State excelled in various categories of games and sports in the past, however, today our youths have moved far away from games and sports. Sadly, many of our frustrated youths have become drug addicts. The State Government is providing all sorts of opportunities including job for those who excelled in games and sports. Muslim youths should strive to grab these opportunities, he added.
Abdul Qaiyum said it is time that the Muslim community in the State encourage the youths to take up sports as a means of livelihood. Muslims should also try to take hold of the facilities given by the State Government in this field, he added. Gifts, including cash, were presented to Riyaz Khan.
Physically challenged Riyaz Khan was born in a poor household in Yairipok Ningthounai in Imphal East district. His father Abdul Helim died he was quite young. His mother, Amira Bibi brought up her five sons and a daughter with great hardships. Amira Bibi had to leave her village in search of livelihood. She is now living in a rented house at Minuthong Golapati with her children. She has been looking after her large family by selling vegetables at the local market. Now her grown-up sons also help her in supporting the family.
Riyaz Khan studied up to Class X at Khuyathong High School. However, he could not clear the matriculation exam. He joined the Manipur Wheelchair Fencing Academy at Singjamei Pisum Haobam Marak at Imphal in 2012. He has keen interest in Fencing, Swimming and Archery. He is now ready to take part in these events in the upcoming tournaments.