(From left) Special World Olympics medallists Mohammad Shahnavaz, Neha Gupta, Neha Kumari, Radha Kumari and Suprabhat Kumar with social activist Shivajee Kumar (behind) at Bahadurpur in Patna on Friday. Picture by Nagendra Kumar Singh

Patna, July 8: Neha Gupta, Radha Kumari, Suprabhat Kumar, Mohammad Shahnavaz and Neha Kumari are special children not only because they are brave and confident but also because they have returned victorious from the World Special Olympics held in Athens from June 25 to July 4.

The five intellectually disabled youths from Bihar, who took part in the 13th World Special Olympics, Greece, have bagged a medal each in individual or group events.

While four have clinched bronze medals — Radha Kumari in women’s volleyball, Suprabhat Kumar in 5km cycling, Mohammad Shahnavaz in men’s volleyball and Neha Kumari in bocce (an unique ball sport) doubles — Neha Gupta has won silver in women’s basketball.

The quintet have refused to allow their deficiencies hinder the course of their life and have emerged winners on the world stage. Now, back from the tournament, they have made their family and friends proud of their achievement.

Premlata, mother of Neha Kumari, said: “Since her return from Athens, Neha has been telling me about her experiences in the trip. The opportunities my daughter got at the tournament has changed her. She is picking up words to express her feelings, while earlier it was very difficult for her to talk.” Neha, who is suffering from Down’s Syndrome, has found it easy to say “India” ever since she heard everybody cheering India during her bocce doubles.

Premlata said she was taken by surprise when Neha asked her to change the manual electronic appliances at home to automatic ones. “On her first visit to Athens, Neha saw automatic electrical appliances which did not require any manual labour in operation. Ever since her return, she has been constantly asking me to change the outdated electronic appliances at home,” said Premlata.

Neha bagged the bronze medal in bocce doubles with Yaswyni Koka from Andhra Pradesh.

Neha Gupta, a member in the Indian women’s basketball team, grabbed the second position and a silver medal after defeating Pakistan.

Qualifying for the big event has not been easy for the five, as they had to face several elimination rounds before being selected for the team to be sent to Athens.

Non-government organisation (NGO) Samparan, the brainchild of social activist Shivajee Kumar, has guided them in their journey.

Shivajee said: “Twenty-two youngsters from my NGO were selected for the national camp. They had to face three elimination rounds. Finally, these five made it to the Special Olympics. In Athens, they were not at all hesitant or scared even though the competition was tough. In all, 181 countries took part in the event.”

Mohammad Sameer, Mohammad Shahnavaz’s father, said: “I am happy with Shahnavaz’s performance at the Special Olympics but he still has a long way to go.” Mohammad Shabbir, Shahnavaz’s elder brother, said: “Today, Shahnavaz wants to become a sportsperson, earlier he did not have any ambition.”