Parduman battles for life with little financial help coming

It may be mentioned that the 78-year-old Parduman won the shot put and discus throw gold medals in the Asian Games held at Manila (1954). He retained the shot put gold in the 1958 Asiad held at Tokyo and finished third in the discus throw event. He fetched a silver medal in the 1962 Asian Games held in Jakarta.

Hailing from village Bhagta Bhai Ka in district Bathinda, Parduman was admitted to the hospital with the symptoms of dementia. “He had some renal problem too. Two days back he suffered a cardiac arrest,” said Dr Ranju, who is attending on the athlete.

“Uncertainty prevails on his recovery time. This is something we call guarded prognosis,” Dr Ranju said, when asked when the athlete could likely start recovering.

“His chances of survival are very less. I would say about 25 per cent,” added neurologist Dr Gaurav Singla. Unfortunately, he is suffering from multiple problems, Singla explained further. Parduman Singh had to be put on life support system for four days.

It may be mentioned here that in early 80s, Parduman Singh had met with an accident and had suffered a paralytic attack subsequently.

In what could be termed as sheer indifference towards a sportsperson, the government has done precious little to help ease the sufferings of the 78-year-old athlete. Ironically, the Bathinda Deputy Commissioner Rahul Bhandari, when contacted, maintained that a sum of Rs 15,000 was sanctioned today through the Red Cross for Parduman’s treatment. But the financial aid seems too little too late to Parduman’s son Bhupinder Singh. Singh claimed that around Rs one lakh have already been spent on his treatment. Moreover, the funds are yet to be received. Bhupinder said money was arranged from the relatives, as the family had no substantial source of income.

Bhandari said Rs 15,000 was what the administration could give immediately as financial help. “I will forward the case to the government so that funds can be arranged from the Chief Minister’s relief fund,” Bhandari added.