Turning tragedy into triumph: Vysakh's inspiring story

KOZHIKODE: September 2 is the day that changed Vysakh's life. Vysakh prefers to look back at that fateful day with a smile. "A lesson in facing every challenge with courage. A reminder of a second birth." This is how the 31-year-old recalls the incident in which he lost his right leg in an accident. He chose jersey number 2 to keep that memory alive. In 2007, at the age of 13, he was on his way to attend the selection trials for the Kozhikode district football team when he met with an accident and lost his right leg.

Vysakh made history as the first amputee footballer in the country to secure a coaching license, after successfully showcasing his ability to train players on par with his able-bodied counterparts.

Vysakh is the captain of the Indian Amputee Football Team. He says that the loss he suffered that day is the reason for all his achievements and happiness in life today. After the accident, he struggled to even get out of bed. It was his friends who brought him back to the playing field. Initially, he learned indoor games and swimming, and then gradually moved to football. He spent most of his time playing football with normal players.

Vysakh learned about amputee football through his college football coach at Devagiri College. That turned out to be a major turning point in his life. Vysakh is a native of Perambra in Kozhikode. He credits his strength to his parents- Sasidharan and Rajani. He is married to Theertha and has a daughter named Charupadma.

Led Indian team
Vysakh was the captain of the Indian Amputee Football Team in international amputee football matches held in Kenya, Iran and Bahrain. He also participated in the 2016 Paralympics. During the last ISL football tournament, he was a guest player for NorthEast United and played in their practice matches. Vysakh is a member of the SR National Football Squad and a licensed football coach with an AIFF D License. His other interests include trekking and travelling.