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Indian Para-Cyclist Arshad Shaikh to Undergo Surgery After Injury at Asian Para Games

Indian para-cyclist Arshad Shaikh is facing surgery after suffering a displaced fracture of the left femur during the Asian Para Games. The athlete, who is the only para-cyclist representing India at the event, is currently stable and in good spirits, according to his medical team. Dr. Ameya Kagali, the chief physician, has confirmed that the surgery is scheduled for Friday, and Arshad will require rehabilitation following the procedure. This incident has also raised awareness about India's representation in para-cycling at the Games. Stay tuned for further updates on his recovery and fitness to travel.
 

Arshad Shaikh's Injury Update

Aichi-Nagoya [Japan], October 23: Indian para-cyclist Arshad Shaikh has been diagnosed with a displaced fracture of his left femur and is set to have surgery on Friday. Team India's chief physician, Dr. Ameya Kagali, confirmed that the athlete is currently stable following his accident at the Asian Para Games.


Arshad, who is the sole para-cyclist representing India at the ongoing Games in Japan and is preparing for the 2024 Paris Paralympics, suffered a fall during the men's time trial on Wednesday, impacting his previously operated left residual limb.


Dr. Kagali explained, “Arshad fell during the event and landed on his left stump, resulting in a comminuted displaced subtrochanteric fracture of the left femur. This injury cannot be treated conservatively, necessitating surgical intervention, which is scheduled for tomorrow at 1 PM Japanese time.”


The injury affects the upper femur near the hip, requiring surgery. Arshad, who has an above-knee amputation on his left leg and uses a prosthesis, will undergo medical evaluation and rehabilitation post-surgery.


Dr. Kagali noted that Arshad is in good spirits and his vital signs are stable ahead of the procedure. “We have been with Arshad since last night and have maintained communication. He is in good spirits, experiencing some pain typical of a femur fracture, but overall, he is stable and ready for surgery,” he added.


The Indian team physician commended the prompt response of the local medical staff following the incident at the Izu Velodrome in Shizuoka, located over 250 km from Nagoya. “The Japanese medical team has been exceptional in handling medical emergencies, including Arshad's case. There were also three other athletes who fell during the event, and they received care at a top-tier tertiary care center,” Dr. Kagali remarked.


He further mentioned that the Indian medical team has collaborated with Japanese surgeons to discuss the treatment plan and the seriousness of Arshad's injury. “We have thoroughly explained the injury's extent and the recovery process to Arshad. He will remain in the Japanese hospital for approximately 10 days to two weeks, after which he will be advised on his fitness to travel,” he stated.


Arshad's injury has highlighted the need for better representation of para-cyclists from India at the Games, as he is the only cyclist cleared to compete in Aichi-Nagoya.


His surgery is set for Friday, and his recovery and ability to travel will be evaluated by his medical team.