BHOPAL, 13 March 2005 — Young Abhishek Vyas is a 16-year-old Indian, who has reached the pre-quarterfinals of the National Squash Championship thrice. Now ranked No. 16 in the national seedings, he may not be as great as Jahangir and Jansher Khan. Not yet.
And not even remotely close to legendary Pakistani paceman Wasim Akram with whom he has at least one thing in common.
When Abhishek picks up his racket to smash the squash ball against the wall he fights two enemies. His opponent and diabetes type I — the disease that robs people of their ability to produce life-sustaining insulin. But this tall fair lad with a face belying cute innocence has redefined the conventional definition of guts with his determination to fight the disease.
A student of Daly College in Indore, the commercial capital of Madhya Pradesh, Abhishek is busy preparing for his board examinations. His father, Sanjay Vyas, is a businessman and mother Seema Vyas a teacher. Four years back, they noticed Abhishek losing weight suddenly and get tired in no time. Worried, the parents took him to doctors who diagnosed him with diabetes I.
Says, Sanjay Vyas, “We were shocked as we thought diabetes occurs only in old age. But when I consulted my friends and doctors in the United States and Canada they said it is normal and Abhishek can lead a normal life. Then we consulted Dr Sunil Jain in Indore. Under his guidance we got the proper treatment and made a life-style chart made for him.
“Needless to say, the squash racket was somewhere on top of this chart.”
Abhishek says he was quite depressed when he heard the news. “But then my parents supported me. I decided to fight the disease I have to live with all my life. Dr Jain has advised me that I could fight it out with proper exercise and diet.”
He goes on, “I started playing squash when I was in class VII and was coached under Gajendra Singh Sir. I have represented Madhya Pradesh team for last three years. Last year I was ranked 14th in the national ranking and this year my ranking slipped to 16th. My dream is to represent India. Last two years I lost in the pre-quarterfinals. But this year I am sure I would win the nationals, which would be held in October.” How does he deal with the disease? He is quick to respond. “I am like any other normal guy. I have to maintain a regular life style and take insulin injection before breakfast and dinner. I just avoid sweets.”
His practice regimen? “On normal days I practice at the college courts for three to four hours. The tough practice sessions, however, do not affect my health, I just have to take precautions and avoid any kind of risks,” he says.
His father adds he would help realize his son’s dreams. “I have talked to Pakistani players like Jahangir and Jansher Khan to provide him professional coaching. I am also looking for sponsor.” One hopes for his sake and the many others for whom he is a role model, he gets one.
