Plight of star athletes of yesteryears

Star athletes of yesteryears are either shunned or forgotten in Nepal. Following retirement, they quickly fade   into oblivion and   face the real possibility of   risks and uncertainties. A few lucky ones manage to survive life’s unforeseen challenges and circumstances.

This has also caused the emigration of athletes in significant number   to foreign countries in order to find a better and secure life.

We have witnessed a large number of athletes retire   to a life of relative obscurity. They   go through financial hardship and    health problems. Those with serious illnesses   have been debilitated, incapacitated,   bed ridden and   are in a desperate fight for survival.

Their medical condition   warranted/warrants immediate attention and help. Despite the increased urgency of addressing the   critical issue, nothing has been done and   no one really cares. Consequently, either they are left to put up with the   pain and suffering   or compelled to rely on outside help.

Speaking of outside help, family members and friends   have no options but work to raise donations to help ailing athletes. They are largely dependent on donations from well wishers and sport enthusiasts.

Tragically   a   few have lost their battle with the illness and   passed away. In hindsight, perhaps, with timely and proper treatment, they could have been saved. They were, in most cases, unable to afford the   exorbitant   health care cost and medical bills.

Getting help from the National Sport Council   (NSC), the National   Association and the   government (related sport) is a remote possibility. If   they feel pressurized then only they   provide   monetary assistance, however, their    contribution is   often negligible and insignificant.

Nothing has changed so far.  Let alone setting up   a welfare fund, NSC and   Sport Ministry are yet   to even ponder over it, and instead they have turned   a blind eye to the matter. Likewise, national sport associations   are on the same page and have not given any impetus to it.

It’s beyond one’s imagination that both NSC and the government have failed its duty to look after them. And forget not that   they dedicated their entire lives, hoping to bring honor and glory to the country. Certainly, they do not   deserve to be ignored like that.

Furthermore, sport enthusiasts   forget these incredible athletes who gave up a big chunk of their lives in pursuit of sporting   excellence   under extremely challenging   and harsh circumstances.

No more they   dwell   in the hearts   and minds of their admirers and followers. It   is   a cruel irony that their contribution, heroism, endeavor and   sacrifice   are   not appreciated anymore and   have   become a thing of the past. It is ludicrous that   we   tend to put them out of our minds so quickly.

Over the years,   many athletes of different disciplines have been reduced to penury, succumbed   to their illnesses or sport injuries, and   some are fighting off   serious health problems.

One really does not know how many of   them   are seriously sick and confined to bed. There is no such   thing   called official count. Also the issue has been largely ignored by the   main stream media.

Two    very popular international footballers, Mani B Shah and YB Ghale (both contemporary of Ganesh Thapa) come to my mind. Those who watched them play   cannot afford to forget their brilliance on the football pitch.

I had   the   privilege to watch them many a times. Playing for the national team of   Nepal they provided a nucleus   for a  very   sharp offensive line. Both played scintillating football and scored   dime-a-dozen goals.

Ghale   carries the distinction of scoring   Team Nepal’s first official international goal.  He was an intelligent footballer, had   a knack for scoring big   goals and was a constant source of threat to the opposition.  I still   remember his superb twists and turns that baffled opponents.

Besides, he was a member and technical director of All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) and coach of Jawalakhel Youth Club, as well.

On the other hand, Shah, younger of the two was an outstanding footballer. He   possessed superb footballing skills and  excellent scoring ability. His   forte was converting free –kicks into goals.    

Nicknamed Maradona of Nepal,   he always lived to his reputation and   is considered by many as one   of the best offensive players the country has ever seen. He mesmerized spectators with his dribbling skills.

Today, sadly, both are   grimly   fighting   for survival.  So far, whatever   financial assistance they   have received   from well wishers and   ANFA has proved   inadequate to meet their high medical expenses.

With no help   coming from the government and other agencies, once again, they   have   been forced   to   seek more help and   support from their well wishers and fans in their fight against adversity.

Indeed it is heart wrenching to see them along with many more living with debilitating conditions. They are the people who glorified the country, bringing fame and laurels.

Shame on   NSC, Sport Ministry and National Sport Associations for doing nothing or very little for athletes who committed so much of their lives to the country.