A retired Para athlete, Sale Mohammed, has called on northern state governors to invest more in para-sports in order to tackle the menace of street begging. In this interview with Trust Sports, the Bauchi State born physically challenged athlete revealed how he travelled to England without a passport. Mohammed who plays para-table tennis for leisure also said he was unbeaten in athletics till he retired.
Were you born with your physical disability?
No. I wasn’t.
So, what happened?
I really don’t know but I was about seven years old when it started. My brother and I were going to the market and suddenly I felt a sharp pain in my leg, almost as if something pierced into my leg. We checked but found nothing. We got back home and from there, I went from one hospital to another but every diagnosis showed nothing. That was the beginning of my life as a physically challenged person.
What is your level of education?
I stopped at secondary school level but I am currently studying at the National Institute of Sports (NIS) in Lagos. I am undergoing a diploma course in coaching.
Considering that you are physically challenged, what informed your decision to venture into sports?
It was in 1987 or so when I was in primary school. One of our neighours told me about a sports competition for the physically challenged in Bauchi. I went there and after training with them for some time, I was taken to Lagos where I participated in athletics and came second. It may also interest you to know that a time came when we were to travel to England for a tournament. We were at the airport but my passport got missing so I was left behind in Lagos. But somehow, I travelled to England without a passport. I can say I am the only Nigerian to have travelled to England for sports without a passport.
How did that happen?
At the airport, some people approached me and asked me questions which I couldn’t answer since I didn’t know how to communicate in English. Somehow, I was given a tag bearing my name and allowed to board the next flight to England. When I got to Heathrow Airport, an English lady came to meet me after she saw my name tag and handed me over to some people who took me on a four hour trip which was late into the night. I was taken to the Games Village where my colleagues were accommodated. They were surprised to see me. The then minister of sports, Air Commodore Emeka Omeruah nick-named me ‘the only man that travelled without passport’. Then I was taken to the Nigerian Embassy in London where I was given a new passport and visa. It was simply the work of God.
You said you started in athletics but switched to para-table tennis. Why did you make the switch?
After I retired from athletics, I just took to table tennis for pleasure. There is nothing more than that. I am now playing the sport for leisure. I know that If I decide to take it seriously, I will be a champion. I am saying this with confidence because when I competed in athletics, I was undefeated till I retired.
What is your most memorable moment as an athlete?
I can remember in 1994 when I went for the Commonwealth Games in Canada, something happened that I will never forget. The Nigerian Embassy organised a welcome party for us and I met one lady and I fell in love with her. Before I left, we were intimate and madly in love. Her family loved me and tried to convince me to stay back in Canada so that their daughter could be happy. I refused because I have a family back in Nigeria and never told them I would stay back in Canada. I couldn’t leave my parents because of a woman. Right now, I have four wives and 13 children with seven grandchildren. We are living in the same compound and I am very comfortable. I drive myself. No one drives me. People called me a fool for not running away or staying behind in Canada but I have no regret. As a matter of fact, the lady’s family organised a party for me and promised to take me to school, take care of me just to be with their daughter. They were ready to do anything for me. I promised to go back but I never did. Before we departed, they came to the Games Village to see me off. We were both emotional. They had to drag me away from her when it was time to finally leave. The separation was the most painful thing for me. For two weeks after our arrival, I was moody because I was missing her. Love is really a dangerous thing (laughs).
Are your children also interested in sports?
None of them is into sports and I won’t allow them, especially the ladies, to take part in sports. They are not disabled. Once they grow up, I allow them to get married and that is why I have seven grandchildren so early. As for the boys, the oldest is 13 years. He is training to be a welder and going to school. The younger one is learning to be a motor mechanic. For now, I don’t want them in sports but I can’t say what will happen tomorrow. I want each of them to have handwork not just formal education.
How important is para-sports to the north?
Actually, para-sports is helping so much in reducing street begging in the north. Youths who are physically challenged now take to different para-sports and it is helping a lot. I, therefore, urge our leaders to invest more in para-sports. This will help people with disabilities and in the long run, the region as a whole.
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