Amir Hussain Lone, a para-cricketer from Waghama village in Bijbehara, Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir, has come a long way from losing both arms in a sawmill accident at the age of eight to representing India in para-cricket.
On August 15, 2026, Lone was invited to the Independence Day “At Home” reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan, marking another significant moment in his sporting journey. His story, shaped by family support, perseverance and an enduring passion for cricket, has also brought him recognition from cricketing great Sachin Tendulkar.
Growing Up In Waghama
Lone grew up in Waghama, in the Bijbehara area of Anantnag district, Jammu and Kashmir. He developed a passion for cricket as a child and began playing when he was around seven. Despite growing up in a rural setting, cricket remained an important part of his life.
His family, particularly his grandmother, supported him through difficult years and encouraged him to continue pursuing his interests after his accident. Lone later recalled facing prejudice at school and in wider society, but said these experiences did not make him abandon his passion for the sport.
The Life-Changing Accident
In 1997, when Lone was eight, a sawmill accident left him without both arms. He spent around three years in hospital before returning home, where he had to adjust to life after the accident. Speaking about that period, Lone has recalled the despair and social attitudes he encountered, including people questioning whether he could lead an independent life. Yet his family stood by him, helping him rebuild his confidence and adapt to his circumstances. The experience became a defining point in his life, but not the end of his ambitions.
His Cricket Comeback
Lone gradually returned to cricket by developing techniques suited to his circumstances. He learned to hold the bat between his shoulder and neck while using his feet to bowl. He eventually entered para-cricket and played his first national tournament in Delhi in 2013.
He went on to play matches in countries including Bangladesh, Nepal and the UAE, while also representing and captaining the Jammu & Kashmir para-cricket team. His journey gained wider attention after Sachin Tendulkar met him in Kashmir in 2024, following the former India batter’s public appreciation of Lone’s determination and cricketing ability.
Milestones And Recognition
Lone’s sporting journey has taken him from local cricket grounds to national and international para-cricket competitions and, most recently, Rashtrapati Bhavan. His invitation to President Droupadi Murmu’s Independence Day “At Home” reception on August 15, 2026, recognised his journey as a para-athlete from Jammu and Kashmir. The occasion added another milestone to a career that has already included representing and captaining the Jammu & Kashmir para-cricket team and meeting his childhood idol, Sachin Tendulkar.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Amir Hussain Lone’s journey is a reminder that inclusion is not simply about celebrating people after they succeed. It is about ensuring that people with disabilities have access to opportunities, training, support and spaces where their abilities can be recognised.
His story also shows how family encouragement and a community willing to look beyond disability can help a person rebuild confidence and pursue their ambitions.
As Lone’s journey continues to inspire people across India, what more can we do to make sport and other opportunities genuinely accessible to people with disabilities?
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