The Champion: Epitome of indomitable spirits
Mostly stories are fictional or dramatic, few are about achievements in life against all odds etc but rare are life stories like Ajmal Samuel, a Hong Kong based 58 years old with the spirit of a teen age, athlete, entrepreneur, trainer, who lost his half body in a road accident 37 years ago. His injured spine left him on wheel chair for the rest of his life. But, no, Ajmal put his soul in the spine and found new ways to conquer the world. He was a 21 year old young military officer, in Pakistan Army when road accident took place
in Kotli — Kashmir on May 26, 1987.
Seemingly, it was end of a vibrant and dynamic military career which had gone through rigors of four year training at two different military institutions, junior cadet battalion and Pakistan Military Academy Kakul.
What appeared to be a tragic end was, in fact, the beginning of a remarkable journey marked by resilience, adaptability, and the human indomitable spirits. Today, as he celebrate the 37th anniversary of that life-altering day, let us see his struggle, feel his pain and joy of achievement which took him to the height of sports and entrepreneurship.
Physical injury is not only a burden for the injured but for family as well. Financial issues make it more arduous for survivors and there are few who surpass this challenge
Undeterred by his physical condition, Ajmal transitioned into a challenging future ahead. into the civil life corporate sector. His military training has imbibed in him the courage, strength, and ability to lead from the front. He did not accepted defeat and started navigating the world. His courage and leadership skills led him ultimately becoming the CEO and Chairman of OCTO3 Group Holdings Limited, a financial technology firm headquartered in Hong Kong. His strategic acumen and relentless drive propelled him to the top, showcasing that immense personal adversity can be overcome.
He ventured into entrepreneurship, started his own business and demonstrated that perceived limitations can be transcended through determination and innovation. He ventured into the payments industry with ASAP TP laid the foundation for OCTO3, FTS. Money and myvoucher.io. Despite facing setbacks, including the liquidation of ASAP TP, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to rebuild and achieve even greater success.
Success in business was only a beginning. He went much beyond his physical limitations and achieved excellence in sports
His athletic pursuits have been as diverse as his professional endeavors. Confined to a wheelchair, he embraced sports with great enthusisam, becoming a professional athlete representing Hong Kong in single sculls rowing competitions. His achievements in rowing, including medals in Asian Championships and other prestigious events, underscore the triumph of the human spirit over physical constraints.
He has been a passionate adventurer. He earned laurels in hand-cycling and covered thousands and thousands of miles and pocketed world records. One can not believe, he is qualified as a PADI Advanced Scuba Diver and a Paragliding Pilot. His relentless pursuit of these challenges serves as an inspiration, highlighting that with passion and perseverance, the sky is not the limit — our minds are.
Ajmal says,
“Amidst these achievements, I found love and companionship, marrying a local girl in Hong Kong. This personal fulfillment, along with friendships from all corners of the globe, has enriched my life immensely, adding to the vibrant and diverse experiences that I cherish”. In his social media post he penned a quote of, Jean Paul, a known German writer “The burden of suffering seems a tombstone hung about our necks, while in reality it is only the weight which is necessary to keep down the diver while he is hunting for pearls.”-
Ajmal says ” As I look back on this 37-year journey, my life stands as a powerful testament to resilience, achievement, and unexpected joy. That devastating day in 1987 was indeed the beginning of an extraordinary story filled with profound transformations. He added, that life’s most significant changes often come from the days that seem to break us the most. My journey highlights a beautiful truth: in overcoming trauma and seizing new opportunities, we can build a truly blessed and fruitful life. Sometimes, our biggest dreams emerge from challenges we never initially dared to dream of facing.
Reflecting on the past 37 years, he said ” I celebrate not the accident, but the incredible journey it set into motion. From military aspirations to corporate success, entrepreneurial ventures, sporting excellence, and adventurous pursuits, my life has been a rich tapestry of experiences. Hopefully my journey is a beacon of hope and inspiration for anyone facing adversity. Embrace your challenges, for they might just lead you to the most significant accomplishments and joys of your life. As I continue to push boundaries and strive for new heights, I remain committed to advocating for disabled rights, promoting inclusivity, and encouraging others to pursue their passions. This anniversary not only marks a day of reflection but also a day to inspire and motivate others to turn their setbacks into comebacks”. He said that
his life is a testament to the fact that with resilience and determination, every challenge can be transformed into an opportunity, and every setback can pave the way for an extraordinary journey ahead.
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Dr Atique Ur Rehman
Course mate of Ajmal Samuel
73 PMA L/C