Following a long arduous journey of recovery after an accident left him paralysed from the chest down, Lloyd Fernandes got back to table tennis, and is today a national top ranker

MARIA FERNANDES | NT

Life can change in an instant. For Lloyd Fernandes, that moment came in 2016 when a devastating accident left him paralysed from the chest down. What followed was a long journey of recovery, acceptance, and reinvention; one that would eventually lead him back to table tennis, the sport he loves. Eventually, it would take him to the top of the national rankings, establishing him as one of Goa’s most inspiring sporting figures.

Reflecting on that difficult period, Fernandes recalls how dramatically everything changed. “For nearly six months, whenever I tried to sit upright, I would pass out. It was an extremely difficult time, both physically and emotionally,” he shares.

Slowly, however, he began rebuilding his life. With intensive physiotherapy and support of his wife, the rest of his family and friends, he gradually regained strength and confidence. Instead of dwelling on what he had lost, he began focusing on what he could still achieve. “More than anything,” he says, “my family and friends reminded me that I was still the same person, even with physical limitations.”

As time passed, he gradually accepted that life would be different. Rather than giving in to despair, he chose to adapt and learn to navigate life in a wheelchair.

Table tennis had always been part of his life, and during his school and college years, he enjoyed playing the sport. After the accident, however, he stayed away from the game. His return came in 2019 after he met members of the Disability Rights Association of Goa, who encouraged him to take up the sport again.

But returning to the table was not easy. After a long break and with new physical limitations, Fernandes had to relearn several aspects of the game. The early days of training demanded patience, persistence, and emotional and mental strength. Yet the sport also brought him a renewed sense of purpose. “Every small improvement motivated me to keep going,” he recalls.

From carefully stepping back into the sport to ultimately rising as a national champion, his journey has been truly inspiring. Fernandes reflects on it as a path filled with blessings. With regular training and the valuable guidance of his coach, Selvyn Godinho, his performance gradually strengthened. “My coach always reminds me to enjoy the game and remain humble,” he says.

Despite his progress, the path has not been without challenges. One of the biggest obstacles he faced was finding accessible training venues. Financial support for participating in national and international tournaments has also been limited. Yet Fernandes remains determined. For him, consistency is key. “Every match is an opportunity to learn,” he says.

Today, Fernandes holds the distinction of being ranked No. 1 in India in his category. Yet he views the achievement with humility. Rankings, he believes, can change. What truly matters is continuous improvement and personal growth. For him, the opportunity to play the sport he loves and draw fulfillment from it is more meaningful than any title.

To those who feel their lives have come to a standstill after a major setback, his advice is simple yet powerful: “Trust the process. Focus on what you can still do,” he says. “Keep learning and don’t hesitate to seek support.”