Impact story · Belagavi, Karnataka
Bharatesh B Mahishwadagi
Bowler · Postal department
Chasing national glory from Belagavi
Bharatesh found a lifelong passion in cricket, moving from local games to national championships with DMSA. Balancing a post office job with rigorous training, this Belagavi athlete dreams of playing for India.
Told in Bharatesh’s own words
Chapter 1 · Roots
Roots in Belagavi
Bharatesh grew up in Belagavi with parents and a brother, living with polio from birth. Long before organised wheelchair cricket, Bharatesh played alongside able-bodied friends, turning any open space into a pitch.
Even when family worried and urged caution, the pull of the game never weakened. Cricket was never a hobby; it was part of daily life.
Cricket is my absolute life and passion, and no matter what hardships come my way, I will always keep playing for the team.
Chapter 2 · Turning point
Discovering wheelchair cricket
A connection through Ajit led Bharatesh to DMSA. Meeting Shiva Prasad opened the door to structured practice in Bengaluru — and that training led to selection and a debut at the national championships in Udaipur.
With DMSA
How DMSA stood with Bharatesh
DMSA made sure Bharatesh never lacked equipment or care: a dedicated wheelchair, a bat and pads, constant encouragement, and full logistical support when travelling to events like the Udaipur Nationals. With those barriers removed, the focus could stay on performance.
What DMSA provided
- A dedicated wheelchair for mobility and play
- Cricket bats and protective gear
- Encouragement and logistical support at tournaments
Chapter 3 · On the field
Excellence on the pitch
A standout spell in Mumbai earned Bharatesh the Best Bowler award.
Team success comes first — whether that means long journeys, like the 700 kilometres travelled to play the KWPL, or pushing through physical hardship to win for Karnataka.
Best Bowler
Award in Mumbai
700 km
Travelled to play the KWPL
We traveled 700 kilometers to play, and seeing our team win through sheer determination brought us immense joy.
Scorecard
Bharatesh B Mahishwadagi- From
- Belagavi, Karnataka
- Plays as
- Bowler
- Best moment
- Best Bowler award, Mumbai
- Debut
- National championships, Udaipur
- Works in
- The postal department
Chapter 4 · Life today
Beyond the boundary
Life off the field
Playing at national level has changed how Bharatesh is seen. With matches on YouTube, friends and neighbours now watch online and offer real appreciation — a deep source of pride.
Work and independence
A steady job in the postal department brings a reliable income and independence, balanced with a demanding schedule of training and long-distance tournament travel.
Chapter 5 · Road ahead
The national dream
The goal is clear and unwavering: a place in the Indian national team, with every training session approached with full commitment.
A message to you
We are deeply grateful to DMSA and everyone who supports us. Because of your help, we received equipment and encouragement, and we want to achieve great things to honor that support.
— Bharatesh B Mahishwadagi
Every hero needed a start
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