Impact story · Bengaluru, Karnataka
Mohammed Umar Manna
Wheelchair cricketer · Trains with DMSA
Chasing big dreams on wheels in Bengaluru
Growing up in Bengaluru with a large, supportive family, Mohammed found a new rhythm through wheelchair cricket. Today, with improved fitness and boundless energy, Mohammed dreams of representing Karnataka.
Told in Mohammed’s own words
Chapter 1 · Roots
Growing up in Bengaluru
Mohammed grew up in Bengaluru in a large, close-knit family with five brothers and two sisters, who helped with daily life, went along to doctors' appointments and always pushed for independence. School friends made sure Mohammed could take part in everything.
Mohammed was born with spina bifida and later diagnosed with hydrocephalus, and lives with weakness on the left side. Despite these hurdles — and a city that is still hard to get around in a wheelchair — the focus is on living life to the fullest.
Chapter 2 · Turning point
Discovering the game
Before cricket, even a ten-metre sprint felt exhausting. Then, by chance, Mohammed met Tarun, a Karnataka wheelchair cricket player, at a coffee shop, and was invited to watch practice at Shalini ground.
The next weekend Mohammed went along — and was amazed and inspired. It opened a whole new world of sport, community and ambition.
With DMSA
How DMSA stood with Mohammed
At DMSA, coaches Kevin Simon, Shivanna and Dilipanna guided Mohammed's training. Their encouragement transformed Mohammed's fitness and energy — simple movements became faster and easier, and the welcoming environment built confidence for new goals.
What DMSA provided
- Much better fitness and energy
- Coaching and encouragement from Kevin Simon
- Support and guidance from Shivanna and Dilipanna
- A welcoming community for wheelchair cricket
Chapter 3 · On the field
On the cricket pitch
Regular practice has transformed Mohammed's conditioning. Drills built endurance and core strength; Mohammed now moves much faster across the ground and feels far more energetic — every session a win over old limits.
Scorecard
Mohammed Umar Manna- From
- Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Introduced by
- Tarun, a Karnataka wheelchair cricketer
- Practises at
- Shalini ground
- Coaches
- Kevin Simon, Shivanna and Dilipanna
- Dream
- To play for Karnataka
Chapter 4 · Life today
Beyond the boundary
Family, school friends and now DMSA's coaches and teammates form a wide circle of encouragement, helping Mohammed meet everyday challenges with a positive, resilient outlook.
Chapter 5 · Road ahead
Chasing big dreams
Mohammed hopes to represent Karnataka and earn a place in the ASL — and dreams of playing on grounds like Chinnaswamy or Alur, where professional cricketers train.
One thing for all the DMSA supporters, I thank them from my bottom of my heart.
A message to you
I thank all the DMSA supporters from the bottom of my heart, including our sponsors, Cognizant volunteers, friends, and players, because without them we would not have achieved these milestones.
— Mohammed Umar Manna
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