Ludhiana Para-Badminton Champion Shabana Qualifies for World Championship in Bahrain
Shabana, an international para-badminton star and the only female wheelchair player from Ludhiana district, has achieved a remarkable qualification for the prestigious Para Badminton World Championship scheduled to be held in Bahrain. This accomplishment marks a significant milestone in her sporting career, representing India on the global stage.
Urgent Financial Challenge Ahead of February 8 Competition
Despite this extraordinary achievement, Shabana now faces a critical financial hurdle as the competition approaches on February 8. She urgently requires approximately ₹2 lakh to cover essential expenses including international travel arrangements, visa processing fees, and specialized equipment necessary for wheelchair para-badminton competition at the highest level.
The athlete, who serves alongside her husband and fellow player Ashwani Kumar as a district icon for Persons with Disabilities (PWD) voters, has formally appealed to Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain for financial assistance. The situation has become particularly time-sensitive as Shabana must submit her visa documentation and confirmed travel details by January 25 to secure her participation in the championship.
Egypt Tournament Performance Paves Way for World Championship
Shabana's qualification for the World Championship resulted from an impressive performance at the Egypt Para Badminton International tournament held from January 13 to 18. She attributes this opportunity entirely to previous financial support received from Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain, which enabled her participation in the Egyptian competition.
"I give all the credits for this achievement to the support from DC Himanshu Jain," Shabana emphasized. "Without that initial help for Egypt, I wouldn't have qualified for the World Championship. I am requesting his help once again to make the country proud and inspire others with disabilities."
Breaking Down the ₹2 Lakh Requirement
The substantial financial requirement of ₹2 lakh encompasses several critical components for international para-sports competition:
- International airfare to Bahrain for the championship
- Specialized wheelchair maintenance and sports equipment
- Visa processing fees and related documentation
- Tournament accommodation and associated expenses
Competing at the international level as a wheelchair athlete demands specialized logistics and high-performance equipment, contributing to the significant financial burden faced by para-athletes like Shabana.
District Administration's Response and Support Commitment
Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain, IAS, has responded positively to Shabana's appeal, expressing his administration's commitment to supporting local sporting talent. "I will check the requirements and forward the details to the CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) department," Jain stated to media representatives. "The district administration will try and provide the best possible assistance, as we did last time."
Shabana's Impressive Sporting and Social Contributions
Shabana has established an impressive track record across multiple domains:
- National Level Achievements: Multiple medal wins across state and district para-badminton competitions
- International Success: Recent qualification through the Egypt Para Badminton International tournament for the Bahrain 2026 World Championship
- Public Service Role: Appointment as District Icon to encourage voter participation among persons with disabilities
Her journey represents not only sporting excellence but also serves as an inspiration for the disability community in Punjab and across India, demonstrating how determined athletes can overcome significant challenges to represent their nation internationally.
