London 2012 medal is realistic aim says Sehmi

Previously ranked ninth, last year’s sixth-placed finish at the World Championships represented progress for Britain as head coach Tom O’Connor looks to rebuild his squad.

In their previous two Paralympics, Britain have been forced to settle for fourth place after losing the bronze-medal play-off match but 30-year-old Sehmi, from Whitnash, believes a new-found strength in depth can be their trump card in 15 months’ time.

“We got back from the World Championships which was a bit of a difficult time for the team with a lot of changes for the squad. We came sixth which was an improvement from ninth,” said Sehmi.

“Historically, GB have finished fourth in the Paralympics and that is something we are going to look to change.

“We are doing that by bringing a lot of new players into the squad with a lot of new talent. It gives us a lot more depth and a different dimension which we never had before and now they are getting experience under their belts to go and medal.

“We are not far off the big teams like USA or Canada. At the top level, games are won by one or two points and we are always keeping pace with them.

“I really think with the new staff and players coming in which - something we have never had - it is a really exciting time.”

The sport’s increasing exposure since the Beijing Games, in which Sehmi featured, has led to an explosion in player numbers.

And Sehmi, who has also been selected alongside Shanaze Reade and Rebecca Adlington as a Cadbury Athlete Ambassador for the London 2012 programme, believes that is only the tip of the iceberg.

“Especially since Beijing when it was televised, people have starting promoting the sport and a lot of athletes from other sports have come across,” added Sehmi, who played alongside the Great Britain wheelchair rugby team and England wing David Strettle in an exhibition match.

“They have had a go and enjoyed it so much they have realised they can be superstars.

“It is going to take the nation by storm after 2012 in terms of playing numbers and public profile.

“When people watch it, they really get into it and I can say personally it so much fun to actually play.

“For me in my career, I am having so much fun and not many people can say that.”

n Mandip Sehmi is working with Cadbury Spots v Stripes to help raise awareness of Paralympic sport, as part of its role as Official Treat Provider of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.