Differently abled impress with their grit

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, January 31

Holding a crutch in one hand, differently abled Sukhwinder Singh (35) pulled a car with his teeth at the Kila Raipur games today. His act earned him grand applause from the spectators, among them many foreign tourists watching him with awe.

So did Karnail Singh, who came from Moga to pull a car with ropes tied to his ears, while Bahadar Khan from Malerkotla outdid him, pulling the car tied to his one ear. Another man pulled the car with his hair while yet another lied down to let the car cross over his pelvis.

Age and handicap were no bar when it came to showcasing their skills, power and ability perform at the games.

Joginder Singh (36) from Ferozepur bent the iron rod by pressing it against his neck while another man balanced his entire body onto a bottle. Among others, a Nihang Singh riding two horses drew cheer from the audience. The students of Class XI at SRBS Gurukul Moga showcased their professional tent-pegging skills. The students let their horses jump over the hurdles put on fire. In other events, men with wrinkled faces and white beard ran 100-m with the agility of youths.

Camels dancing and balancing on a 'charpoi' on the beats of dhol were photographed with zeal.

Foreigners, including those from Spain, Belgium, the US, Finland, France and the UK, watched the performances wide-eyed. “I am watching these games for the first time. It is amazing to see people here performing some extraordinary feats," said Christ Zahner from New York. Stefan Mauer from Germany said he loved the enthusiasm, community feeling and aspect of the games, and that one could see the action closely, which was not possible elsewhere.