Kerala’s dwarf athletes stand tall, dream big

KOCHI: A podium finish in her very first attempt at the national para-badminton championship has left Suranya Surendran feeling elated. This euphoria does not come so often for the 120cm-tall Vypeen native, whom society is quick to label as ‘inadequate’ for big, extraordinary things. Now, with this victory, the 30-year-old believes that change is on the horizon.

Suranya won the bronze medal in the mixed doubles category at the games. She is not alone. In the dwarf category, she is joined on the podium by her doubles partner Nithin K T, who hails from Kozhikode; and C S Baiju and Alan Jose, who won bronze in the men’s doubles category. Kodungallur native Baiju also won bronze in the men’s singles game.

Having won the nationals, the athletes are now eligible to participate in national events such as the Khelo India Youth Games and even represent the country in international events. However, the cost that these contests may incur bothers the four.