Arshad Shaikh Recovering Well After Major Surgery in Japan
Indian para-cyclist Arshad Shaikh is recuperating in Japan after a serious femur fracture during the Asian Para Games.
Indian para-cyclist Arshad Shaikh is on the road to recovery after undergoing a critical surgery in Japan. The athlete sustained a displaced fracture of his left femur following a crash during the men's time trial event at the Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya.
The Accident at Izu Velodrome
The incident occurred at the Izu Velodrome in Shizuoka, located over 250 km from Nagoya. While competing in the men's time trial, Arshad suffered a fall and landed heavily on his left residual limb. Arshad, who has an above-knee amputation on his left leg and uses a prosthesis, suffered a fracture in the upper part of the femur near the hip—an area that had undergone previous surgery.
As the lone para-cyclist representing India at the Games in Japan, and having previously represented the nation at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, the injury was a significant blow to his competition run.
Medical Care and Current Status
Arshad is currently recuperating at the Chutoen General Medical Centre in Shizuoka Prefecture. Before the surgery, Team India's chief physician, Dr. Ameya Kagali, confirmed that the athlete was in stable condition with normal vital signs and remained in good spirits.
The Indian medical team worked closely with Japanese surgeons to coordinate the treatment plan, ensuring the nature of the injury was fully understood to optimize the recovery process.
Diplomatic and Government Support
The Indian government has ensured that Arshad is not alone during his recovery in a foreign land. Indian Ambassador to Japan, Nagma Mohammed Mallick, visited the athlete on Monday to wish him a speedy recovery and a quick return to the sport.
Ambassador Mallick assured Arshad and his accompanying team members that the Indian Embassy would provide all necessary assistance until he is medically cleared to fly back to India. This support is being coordinated in tandem with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) and the Sports Authority of India (SAI), both of whom remain in constant contact with the Embassy and the athlete.
What Happens Next?
The focus now remains on Arshad's rehabilitation. His ability to travel back to India will be determined by the treating medical team in Japan, who will assess his fitness and stability following the surgery.