The amputation of his right limb has not deterred the 38 year old Kargil war veteran, Major Devendar Pal Singh, who is now looking forward to run a full marathon in the upcoming August-September 2012 Paralympics. This retired Major from the Dogra regiment and hailing from Ambala, lost his right leg during the Kargil war in 1999. Speaking to media here on Wednesday, Singh said, "Doctors at the Akhnoor military hospital declared me dead but it was an anesthetist who actually figured out that I was alive. After nearly 40 days of the incident, I was shifted to Pune for rehabilitation and I weighed just 28 kgs then."
Recalling the incident, he added, "The moment my limb was amputated and I had an artificial limb, I took it as a challenge and tried to set an example for all the physically challenged that it's all in the mind, and that they too are no less than a normal human being."
Singh has been taking part in Delhi and Mumbai's half marathon since 2009 and is the only amputee marathon runner, well known as India's blade runner who has successfully completed five half marathons till date. Singh revealed that his intention behind the run was to prove to himself before inspiring others. He said, "Though there were many hurdles in my way, I wanted to prove that it is your mindset which shapes your vision.”
Singh currently works as an administrative manager in a private bank in Delhi and has a Facebook community named 'The Challenging Ones. He said, “I wanted a platform where we can reach out to the challenged ones and motivate them towards sports and adventure. “As of now, 12 differently abled persons are already ready for the half marathon. Besides, I also have seven support group members from Bangalore. Once we get to know that some one is undergoing amputation, these members go to them and provide moral encouragement,” he added.
When asked about his future course of action, Singh enthusiastically said, "I am already into cycling, and am also planning for para jumping."