Kolkata: Bangladesh might be languishing at the bottom of the ICC rankings, but the 'minnows of world cricket' are the reigning champions in the Special Olympics World Summer Games with India placed at the third position.
Bangaldesh won the gold medal in the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games held in Shanghai after mentally challenged cricket made its debut in the event.
"It was a huge achievement for us. It gives us huge satisfaction. We have always wanted that these boys should not feel deprived. They should never feel that they are not normal. The feeling of champions was great," Sheik said.
Recalling the day, he said, "It was a round-robin-league format and our last match against India was very tough. India needed four runs to win, while we needed a wicket. I signalled our boys, and they did exactly the same way as we won the match to return with a gold medal."
Eight nations participated in the event with Bangladesh emerging as champions, followed by Bermuda (runners up), India (second runners-up), Pakistan, China, West Indies, Sri Lanka and South Africa.
The mentally challenged cricketers of Bangladesh were here in Kolkata for an exhibition match against Bengal XI.
However, their recipe of success was very difficult as the coach and his support staff had to face a lot of trouble in communicating with the players.
"I had to learn the sign language. After I started communicating well with them, I could convey and demonstrate the things and the task," Sheik said.
"They are very attentive and listen to what I say very carefully. As a result, they do exactly the way they were taught. There is no ill-feelings, arguments between them.
"In fact, they understand cricket better than us. They are die-hard fans of Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly and follow Bangladesh cricket keenly," he said.
"I get immense job satisfaction working with them. I feel by doing this I am giving something back to the society. They are also human beings, so why should they be neglected," added Sheik, who is associated with the Bangladesh side from 2006.
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