A train journey changed Madhusudan’s life journey completely. He always liked sitting or standing near the compartment door of a train. On 30th May, while on his way to Gauribidanur, he was pushed due to which he fell off the train. He was run over by the train and lost his leg. People took him immediately to the Yelahanka Railway Hospital. Later, he was shifted to the Yelahanka Government Hospital from where he was ultimately taken to the Victoria Hospital. But by then, the infection had spread due to the delay in getting medical aid, so both of his legs had to be amputated.
The following year was the most challenging time for Madhusudan. Feeling it hard to believe what had just happened, he slowly slipped into depression and started confining himself to the four walls of the house. It was due to his mother’s persuasion that he completed his academics. He then came in contact with APD, the Association of People with Disability, and was motivated to join wheelchair tennis.
Through APD, he met Elvis Joseph who eventually became his coach. Joseph aims at bringing a change in the lives of the deprived through his ‘Champion in me’ model. He chose to look after Madhusudan’s growth as his ward.
Madhusudan started with running as he felt it was the best way to prove his capabilities to world. He got himself enrolled in the TCS World 10K. He completed the 4.2 km Champions With Disability run with prosthetic legs made of bamboo and cane. It was then when his coach encouraged him to dream big. He wanted him to improvise his tennis skills so that he could support his family.
Joseph has taken it to his head to watch Madhusudhan shine bright in international tournaments. Hence, he even got Madhusudan a job at ANZ bank so that his entire focus remains on tennis. Apart from playing Nationals in India, Madhusudhan has played matches in Sri Lanka and Thailand as well. He was even at the ITF event in Sweden, which was his first in Europe. Getting a chance to play against Olympic champions Peter Vikstrom and Petter Edstrom proved to be a great learning experience for him as he got a taste of how being in an international tournament feels like. He even won three out of five matches against them.
Himalaya came forward to sponsor him and to fund his airfare so that he could participate in international tournaments. Madhusudan has found his calling and he is determined to make a big name in the world of Tennis.
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