Having fought through adversity and not allowing his physical ability to hinder his passion for cricket, this Kashmiri ‘Lara’ is new social media sensation on Internet.
Shabir Ahmad Bhat a physically challenged cricket diehard from the Hazratbal area of Srinagar is popularly known as ‘Lara’ among the locals and cricketers in Kashmir. Despite having lost his limb in an accident at an early age, Shabir has not let his lack of limb coming in way of cricket passion. Unlike most of the physically challenged persons who join Para Sports meant especially for them, ‘Lara’ prefers to play alongwith normal cricketers.
He said that people like him should not be dependent on anyone and shouldn’t think they are inferior to anyone.
“I love cricket and I play it with my full passion. At the same time I earn my livelihood through respectable means. I have a tailoring shop and also run a small business. I am able to fulfill all my needs through my work and it has also helped me to continue my passion for cricket,” he said.
“My neighbours, friends have always supported me and whenever I approached them for the match they readily keep their daily engagements at hold and come with me. I am the skipper of the team with that you can yourself say how much support and respect I am getting” he said.
“I have played cricket all over Kashmir and will continue to do that. It gives me motivation and refreshes my soul” he added.
About his newly found fame as he is internet sensation these days, he said, “Last time when my story got published in Greater Kashmir I got calls from across the globe.
Even I got calls from Delhi, Kerala offering me help but I said I am earning my livelihood and want only help in continuing my cricket activities. Rahim Greens have been continuously supporting my some of the activities since that time”.
“The latest video on internet has made me something like celebrity as everyone now recognizes me. However, at the same time I want organizations who are working for the development of cricket and sports in State to come forward and help my activities. I don’t need anything for my personal benefit I just need help in continuing my cricket activities and activities of my fellow players,” he said.
About being called 'Lara' despite having no similarity to the West Indies batting great, he said, “I don’t know how I got this name but all over the area and among cricketers I am known as Lara. Though my favorite cricketer is former Pakistani cricketer Saeed Anwar but still I love to be known as Lara”.
Recently a raw video footage of him playing in cricket tournament at Harwan has brought him instant fame. The video of him has gone viral and is being uploaded on various Facebook pages. Greater Kashmir TV has done exclusive story on his antics in which he talks about his life and various issue related to continuing his passion. The video is available on Greater Kashmir Facebook page and Greater Kashmir TV Facebook page.
Talking to Greater Kashmir he said, “I met with an accident when I was around two years old and doctors had to amputate my leg. Since then I am living my life only on one leg but I never allowed it to be my weakness. Instead I worked hard and today I can proudly say that I am not inferior to anyone on the field.”
“After accident I could have easily gone into depression and lived in despair. But instead I fought hard and chose this path. With the passage of time cricket has turned into my passion and I play whenever I get chance,” he said.
Share This Post
