Even losing a leg couldn't stop this 24-year-old from playing football

At a time when most teenagers find reasons not to play a sport, Vysakh SR from Kozhikode in Kerala made it a point to not let go of his passion for football, despite losing his leg in an accident.

The 24-year-old, despite being an amputee, has managed to be a part of the Kerala volleyball amputee team, and has also showcased his skills as a professional footballer.

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Recently, a video was posted on twitter in which Vysakh was seen scoring a goal for his team. The video, which got 20,000 views, also caught the attention of NorthEast United FC’s coach Eelco Schattorie.

Impressed by his courage and skills, Vysakh was asked to come to Guwahati. The coach allowed him to participate in the training sessions of the NorthEast United, reports Manorama online.

Prior to this, Vysakh was invited as a guest player to be part of Yuva Kerala Club at Busaiteen ground in Manama, Bahrain.

The turning point in Vysakh’s life

Vysakh met with an accident when he was 13-years-old while on his way to attend a selection camp in Kozhikode for the district junior football tournament. Talking to Edexlive, Vysakh said,

"My cousin, who was riding, fell off the bike and hit a bus. I can barely remember what happened."

Vysakh lost his left leg in the accident, and the other leg had to be operated. Recalling the incident, he says, the pain was unbearable, and he still feels it.

Back to the field

Vysakh had to undergo physical therapy for two months to get back to his original form. After undergoing multiple treatments, Vysakh learnt to cycle, swim, and even managed to drive a car with one leg.

Later, he realised that he could pick up speed while walking with crutches and that he could even kick the ball with the same speed. Gradually, he was able to play football with ease.

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Speaking about his journey from being a footballer to a volleyball player, Vysakh says, while playing with his hostel friends in Devagiri college in Kerala, the football team coach asked him if there are other players like him, so that he could arrange a tournament. Unfortunately, luck didn’t favour him as there was no amputee football players, but he realised there was an amputee volleyball team in Kerala.

Hence, Vysakh decided to join the Kerala volleyball amputee team, and later represented the Indian volleyball amputee team at an international level.

The moment of success

Despite finding success as a volleyball player, Vysakh’s desire to play football stayed with him. Hence, he went for the Asian Cup amputee football tournament selection trials, and luckily, he made it through.

Later, he also made it to the Indian amputee football team, reports The News Minute.

When asked about his feat he said,

It has always been football that kept me going! Nothing else would fill the void it left in my heart, so I just pushed myself to find that feeling again.

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