Catastrophic Injury in India (2005)

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http://www.hindustantimes.com/Insensiti ... 52372.aspx

Insensitive SAI leaves stricken Ajit to his fate

Saurabh Duggal, Hindustan Times

Chandigarh, June 03, 2010
First Published: 00:54 IST(3/6/2010)
Last Updated: 00:54 IST(3/6/2010)

The Sports Authority of India (SAI) does not respect Sports Minister, M.S. Gill’s, writ! At least that’s what it seems in the case of Ajit Singh, a former U-18 inter-zone national pole-vault champion, who has been paralysed neck-down since January 2005.
After taking note of the report published in HT on Sept 3, 2009, highlighting the plight of Ajit (23), the Sports Ministry had come forward to assist the Bhiwani-based youngster, who has been confined to the wheelchair since hurting his spine during the School Nationals at Pune five years ago. Gill had ordered SAI on Sept 4 to get in touch with Ajit so that the Ministry could sanction a grant or start a pension.
Nine months have lapsed, Ajit is still awaiting aid from the Ministry.
Two SAI officials from Bhiwani had got in touch with Ajit in mid-September and collected his medical bills, but since then, it’s been radio silence.
“If I get some financial help I might live a couple of more years. With each day, my condition is deteriorating,” said Ajit.
“I injured my back during a meet and the govt should have at least shown a gesture.”
After the injury, Ajit underwent a couple of operations, including a stem cell implant. But the expense of around Rs 20 lakh has been of little use. To add to his woes, one kidney has failed and the other isn’t fully functional.
Ajit’s monthly expenses, including medicines, add up to Rs 25000. But the only help that has come his way is the Rs 97,000 from the Bhiwani Sports Council. He had submitted his medical bills to the state health department and applied for the Union Sports Ministry’s pension in 2007, but he is still awaiting a reply.

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http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=62599


Dr. M. S Gill, Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports has sanctioned an ex-gratia assistance of Rs. 3.00 lakh from National Welfare Fund for Sportspersons to Shri Ajit Singh, a Pole Vault player, who suffered major injuries in January 2005 during National School Games, held at Pune.

Ajit Singh, aged 23 years, was a promising athlete until he met with the unfortunate accident. He had won gold in Haryana State Athletics Championship held at Sirsa (Haryana) in August 2004, Gold medal in Junior North Region Athletics Championship held at Panipat in September 2004, Gold medal in Junior National Athletics Championship held at Meerut in October 2004 and Gold medal in Haryana State School Athletics Championship held in November 2004.

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports came to know from news reports that father of Shri Ajit Singh has incurred huge expenses on medical treatment of his son even by taking loans from bank against his land. Taking cognizance of his situation, Sports Minister sanctioned assistance of Rs. 3 lakh to Shri Ajit Singh.

Under the Scheme of National Welfare Fund for Sportspersons, the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports provides lump sum financial assistance to outstanding sportspersons of the past, who are facing financial distress.

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Does anyone know anything more about this accident?
Jan Johnson
Atascadero, Ca