Indian Embassy Supports Para-Cyclist Arshad Shaikh in Japan

The Indian Embassy in Japan has pledged continued assistance to para-cyclist Arshad Shaikh, who is recovering from surgery after a crash during the Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya.

Shaikh was injured during the men's time trial and is now being treated at Chutoen General Medical Center in Shizuoka Prefecture. He has a displaced fracture of the left femur, a serious condition for a rider who is an above-knee amputee and depends on a prosthesis.

On Monday, Ambassador Nagma Mohammed Malik met the athlete at the hospital. She expressed hope for his swift recovery and reassured him and his team that the Embassy would provide the necessary help until he is medically fit to return to India.

The Sports Ministry and the Sports Authority of India (SAI) are coordinating with the Embassy to monitor his condition. Both agencies are keeping in close touch with the athlete to ensure he receives the right support during recovery.

Shaikh was the lone Indian para-cyclist competing at the Games. The crash raised questions about the medical care available to Indian athletes, especially given that the same limb had undergone surgery earlier.

Dr. Amey Kagli, Team India's chief physician, had earlier said that Shaikh's condition was stable. He added that the displaced fracture, where the bone breaks into two or more pieces, required surgery.

While other cyclists in Japan are also recovering, the effect of this injury on Shaikh's cycling career remains unclear.