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Overcoming the odds, silently
Irfan turned a handicap to good advantage.
When Irfan Hakkim takes to the mat, the cheers of his comrades do not reach him. Cocooned in a world of silence, he instinctively depends on fine-tuned responses to ensure that not a movement eludes his watchful eyes.
A black belt in karate at the age of 10, Irfan, who suffers from a congenital hearing impairment, shows no outward sign of his physical disability as he spars with his mates and executes a series of graceful movements to exhibit his prowess.
A Class III student at the CSI School, Kazhakuttom, Irfan was attending vacation classes in speech therapy at the National Institute for Speech and Hearing (NISH) when he was spotted by a karate instructor handling a martial arts session for the children.
The instructor, Vinodkumar, recalls that he had spotted the talent in the child right from the beginning. ``Children with disabilities tend to surpass others in certain fields. It is only a question of identifying their aptitude and talent and imparting the right training. Given the discipline of their choice, they exhibit an eagerness to learn and apply their potential''.
Of the 30 students who had undergone the session at NISH, two including Irfan were picked for further training at Vinodkumar's Shito Ryu karate school. ``Irfan came across as a keen student who was willing to put his mind and body into the practice sessions. He was quick to pick up the techniques of the art, depending entirely on lip movements and the sequence of action to read my instructions,'' he says.
Vinodkumar says the training at NISH has helped Irfan shed his inhibitions and interact freely with other children.
He, however, feels that it is up to the parents to identify the latent talent in disabled children and create the right atmosphere to nurture them.
``In Irfan's case, his father's support was instrumental in helping him overcome the odds and achieve the distinction of becoming a black belt at such a young age''.
Irfan's father, A. Ahmed Kabir, who works at the Directorate of Industries and Commerce, says he encouraged his son to take up sporting activities. ``I wanted him to engage in physical activities to develop self-confidence. Apart from practising karate, he plays cricket. He was also selected for a course in gymnastics at the Lakshmibai National College of Physical Education''.
Mr. Kabir feels that the coaching at NISH has helped Irfan overcome his reservations and step out boldly into new territory. He is proud that Irfan's courage has been amply rewarded.
By T. Nandakumar
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