Asian Para Games: Injured Para-cyclist Arshad Shaikh to Undergo Urgent Surgery
Indian para-cyclist Arshad Shaikh will undergo surgery for a displaced femur fracture after a crash at the Asian Para Games in Japan.
Indian para-cyclist Arshad Shaikh, the nation's sole representative in cycling at the ongoing Asian Para Games in Japan, is set to undergo surgery following a severe crash during the men's time trial event on Wednesday. The athlete, who previously represented India at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, suffered a significant injury after falling and landing on his left residual limb.
The Nature of the Injury
Team India's chief physician, Dr. Ameya Kagali, confirmed that Arshad has been diagnosed with a comminuted displaced subtrochanteric fracture of the left femur. This specific injury affects the upper part of the thigh bone near the hip. Because the fracture is displaced, Dr. Kagali stated that it cannot be managed conservatively and requires immediate surgical intervention.
The surgery is scheduled to take place on Friday at 13:00 hours Japanese time. Arshad, who has an above-knee amputation on his left leg and utilizes a prosthesis, will require a comprehensive medical assessment and a period of rehabilitation following the procedure.
Athlete's Condition and Spirit
Despite the severity of the fracture, the medical team reports that Arshad is handling the situation with resilience. Dr. Kagali noted that while the athlete is experiencing expected pain associated with a femur fracture, his vital signs remain stable and he is hemodynamically sound.
"He seems to be in good spirits. Yes, there is a little bit of pain... but apart from that, his vitals are stable, he's hemodynamically good, and he's fit to be operated on tomorrow," said Dr. Kagali.
The medical team has maintained constant communication with Arshad and his attendant, Mr. Ramesh, ensuring they are fully aware of the treatment plan and the road to recovery.
Medical Response in Japan
The accident occurred at the Izu Velodrome in Shizuoka, located over 250 km away from Nagoya. Dr. Kagali praised the efficiency and professionalism of the Japanese medical personnel, noting that their responsiveness to medical emergencies was "absolutely fantastic."
It was revealed that Arshad was not the only one involved in the incident; three other athletes also suffered falls in the same area. All injured parties were transported to an APC-accredited tertiary care center. While the Indian team mentioned that language barriers existed, they emphasized that the professional care provided was of the highest standard.
The Road to Recovery
The Indian medical team has held exhaustive meetings with Japanese surgeons to finalize the surgical approach. Following the operation, Arshad is expected to remain in the Japanese hospital for approximately 10 days to two weeks.
Medical professionals will monitor his progress closely before determining when he is fit to travel back to India. As the only para-cyclist cleared to compete for India in Aichi-Nagoya, Arshad's injury is a significant blow to the team's representation in the sport at these Games.