Agartala, February 10, 2025: “What is happening is not real. What should happen is real.” These profound words from a renowned theatre personality seem to resonate deeply with an inspiring story from Kalyanpur under Khowai district, where a specially gifted young boy is defying all odds to pursue his dream of becoming a cricketer.
Meet Sandeep Shil, a class VI student from Tripura’s Mokambari in Purba Kunjaban Gram Panchayat, Kalyanpur. Born with one leg missing and only two fingers on his left hand, Sandeep’s physical challenges never dampened his spirit. His passion for cricket is boundless, and despite his limitations, he has emerged as a cricketing sensation in his locality.
His mother Reena Rani Shil recalls how Sandeep was fitted with an artificial leg at the age of two and a half. With relentless determination, he learned to play cricket and has now become a rising star in Kalyanpur. “Despite everything, he never let his disability define him. His love for cricket is what keeps him going,” she said.
Sandeep comes from a financially struggling family. His father, Shyamal Shil, has been battling a prolonged illness for nearly eight years, leaving him unable to work. Reena, the family’s sole breadwinner, works as a Group D employee in the Animal Husbandry Department in Boro Maidan. The family’s financial burdens, worsened by mounting medical expenses, have often overshadowed their ability to support Sandeep’s cricketing aspirations.
However, Sandeep’s unwavering dedication has not gone unnoticed. Kalyanpur Community Development Officer Himendu Bikash Pal, deeply moved by the boy’s perseverance, gifted him a cricket bat, ball, and helmet from his own salary, symbolizing encouragement for the young athlete’s dream.
Recognizing his exceptional talent, Tripura’s Sports Minister Tinku Roy and Kalyanpur MLA Pinaki Das Choudhury recently felicitated Sandeep at the Khowai Government Class XII School grounds. They presented him with advanced sports equipment, further fueling his aspirations. “Seeing Sandeep’s happiness upon receiving this equipment was overwhelming. He has been playing with his new bat and ball non-stop,” his mother shared, her voice filled with pride.
Sandeep’s story is a testament to the power of determination. He dreams of hitting sixes, fours, and representing his state and country someday. Despite adversities, his journey proves that willpower can conquer all obstacles. As he continues to shine on the cricket field, his story stands as an inspiration, proving that true champions are made not by circumstances but by the fire within.
