Impact story · Srirampuram, Bengaluru
G Ramanathan
All-rounder · Head of the Sama Foundation
A leader on the field and the open road
From playing cricket sitting on the ground in Srirampuram to leading an NGO and riding a motorcycle to Kashmir, Ramanathan's life is a testament to strength — and now to mastering wheelchair cricket.
Told in Ramanathan’s own words
Chapter 1 · Roots
Growing up in Srirampuram
Born and raised in Bengaluru's Srirampuram, Ramanathan was affected by polio at eight months old and grew up playing cricket with non-disabled children — sitting on the ground, and sharp enough to compete with anyone.
As games moved to bigger grounds, the height difference made it hard to keep up, and Ramanathan was pushed to substitute. At a centre for children with disabilities, those street-learned skills made Ramanathan a team captain.
The life is much more and we need to have a enjoyable life and a meaningful life. DMSA has really gave that opportunity.
Chapter 2 · Turning point
Discovering the wheelchair game
Ramanathan was involved with DMSA from its registration but stayed on the sidelines — until a long friendship with Shiva brought an invitation to see the sport in action.
Years of playing seated didn't make the wheelchair easy. On the first day even picking up the ball felt like starting from scratch; it took three months of practice to bat and bowl with confidence.
With DMSA
How DMSA stood with Ramanathan
DMSA provided a specialised sports wheelchair, practice in the nets, and tournaments like the KWPL to learn and play. For Ramanathan, DMSA's biggest contribution is changing how the public sees para-athletes.
What DMSA provided
- A specialised sports wheelchair for cricket
- Regular practice sessions in the nets
- Competitive tournaments like the KWPL
Chapter 3 · On the field
The final-match turnaround
At the KWPL, Ramanathan's first three matches ended in ducks. Close to losing hope, Ramanathan was urged on by teammates — and hit the very first ball of the final for four.
Moving the wheelchair between wickets was once a struggle. With regular practice, Ramanathan went on to run three in one go during a match — a feat that surprised even the player.
3
Runs taken in one go
10
More years planned in the game
People looked me as a sportsperson and the respect was coming from them from their inside. That was really very made me happy.
Scorecard
G Ramanathan- From
- Srirampuram, Bengaluru
- Plays as
- All-rounder
- Leads
- The Sama Foundation
- Rode
- Bengaluru to Kashmir, on a motorcycle
- Big moment
- First ball of the KWPL final, hit for four
Chapter 4 · Life today
Beyond the boundary
Life off the field
Cricket gives Ramanathan a thrill the gym or swimming never did, and constant movement helps manage arthritis. Travelling on the Metro with a bat and cap, Ramanathan noticed people's looks change from pity to respect — from patient to sportsperson.
Work and independence
With a Diploma in Computer Science but a restless, outgoing nature, Ramanathan now heads the Sama Foundation, motivating people with disabilities — and is a 'bullet rider' who has ridden from Bengaluru to Kashmir.
Chapter 5 · Road ahead
Riding around the world
Ramanathan plans to give wheelchair cricket at least another decade — and dreams of riding a Royal Enfield Bullet beyond India's borders and around the world, inspiring others to focus on their strengths, not their limitations.
A message to you
Thanks for supporting DMSA. Life for people with disabilities is not just about crutches or physiotherapy; it is about having an enjoyable and meaningful life. DMSA has given us that opportunity and changed how the world respects us as sportspeople.
— G Ramanathan
Every hero needed a start
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