Blind cricketer Shekhar Naik: More than Padma award, I need a job

Repeated requests to the authorities for help have gone unheard. "In the last eight years, I have met different Karnataka chief ministers, requesting them for a government job. Last December, I met sports minister Rijiju in Delhi and told him that more than the Padma Shri, I desperately need a good job because my wife is also blind," said Naik, a Bachelor of Arts graduate.

Shekhar Naik against Pakistan in 2013

Naik was born totally blind before an accident at the age of eight led to a surgery that saw him regain 60 per cent of his vision in the right eye while the left could not be treated.

A B2 category blind cricketer, Naik's medium pace bowling earned him 22 wickets and the best bowler's award at the 2012 T20 World Cup. The Karnataka government gave him a cash prize of R3 lakh which he paid towards the deposit of his rental home. He received R7 lakh from the sports ministry as part of the 2014 ODI World Cup-winning side for which he scored 650 runs and took 17 wickets. From that, he donated Rs 2.10 lakh to the Cricket Association for the Blind in India to help other blind cricketers.

Naik with wife and daughters   

In 2017, besides the Padma Shri, Naik also received R1 lakh each, from the central government (national award) and at the Karnataka Rajyotsava. He invested a part of that in fixed deposits for his daughters while the rest has been spent towards their education.

"It's good that blind cricketers receive awards, however small they may be, but it's more important that they be given proper jobs for a secure future," Naik concluded.

Catch up on all the latest sports news and updates here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates.

Mid-Day is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@middayinfomedialtd) and stay updated with the latest news

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!