Para-cyclist hopes Modi govt will bring 'Acche Din'

Pinning his hopes on the newly-elected government at the centre, para-cyclist Aditya Mehta believes Prime Minister Narendra Modi will bring a change in the attitude towards differently-abled sportspersons in the country.
"We are hoping he (Modi) will make a change. His government will make a change. I am hoping to see all the changes. The state government is supporting me. I am hoping to get some rewards from the new government. Old governments, both central and state, were really bad. They didn't help us," Aditya told PTI in an interview here.
Mehta, who had won silver medals at the Asian Cycling Championship last year, rued the fact that para-athletes in the country do not get access to essential sporting facilities.

"My expectations from this new government are that we need cycle paths. If they build a cycling track, it would do a world of good for us," a candid Mehta said.
Mehta, who hails from Hyderabad, lost his leg in a road accident. Not deterred by the unfortunate incident, Aditya said he wants to motivate differently-abled people across the country.
Calling himself as the fortunate one for having an affluent family background, Aditya lamented for those who don't have the same privilege.

"Most of the places we don't get proper support. I am from a business family, but everyone is not that financially sound," he said.

Aditya, who is yet to receive the cash awards for his feat which he had achieved in the last Asian Cycling Championship, said he has experienced step-motherly treatment from the Paralympic Committee of India.
"I have approached them (Paralympic Committee of India), they are saying that it is very easy to get a para cycling medal as there are lesser competitors. You won't be able to get sponsors. We won't be able to help you.
"Para cycling federation has just come up after we have won the medals, prior to that there was no such body," a baffled Aditya said.