The Hindu : Sport / Hockey : Vivek fighting cancer with grit

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Wednesday, Jun 16, 2004

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Sport - Hockey

Vivek fighting cancer with grit

By Our Special Correspondent

MUMBAI, JUNE 14 . Hockey players don't know the meaning of giving up, be it sport or the game of life. For ex-Olympian Vivek Singh, qualities which helped him handle pressure in match situations is helping in a fight against cancer.

"Sportsman's spirit, a feeling only performers will understand, keeps me going. My body has withstood six cycles of chemotherapy at a stretch, from January to May this year. A normal person won't be able to take such a load. I managed because of hockey, the tough training and tougher matches in my playing days giving me the confidence to fight this battle against cancer," said the ex-India centre-half, in the city for treatment at Tata Memorial Hospital, a cancer-speciality centre.

Armed with three months worth of medicines prescribed by Dr.V. Parekh at the Lower Parel hospital on Monday, he is putting in an all-out effort to get back on track, even it means consulting homeopaths in Bangalore two days later.

"The urgency now is to prevent cancer spreading to other parts of my body, especially the lungs. Doctors have informed me that with chemotherapy and regular treatment, the disease can be contained," said Vivek (employed with North-Eastern Railways) aware of the need to keep himself prepared for sustained treatment, on since 2001.

"A person is half-finished just knowing that he has cancer. I am determined to fight, with support from family, employers Indian Railways and hockey fans."

Vivek was speaking at a media briefing arranged by brother and fellow Olympian Rahul Singh on Monday, attended by Mumbai Olympians M. Somaiya, Merwyn Fernandes and Joaquim Carvalho.

Vivek has shed his hair due to chemotherapy, though none of his spirit or humour, joking with his seniors at this unexpected meeting of ex-Olympians. "Vivek's composure and endurance as centre-half seems to be helping Vivek in this stage of life," observed Somaiya, his skipper on the 1988 Seoul Olympics squad.

The Mumbai Olympians raised the issue of funds for Indian hockey internationals, requesting the Indian Hockey Federation to take up Vivek Singh's written request for assistance on an urgent basis and presented him a cheque from individual contributions to initiate a fund-raising drive amongst players all over India. Carvalho volunteered to organise an exhibition or benefit match, provided assurance of support from Sports Authority of India (ground) and IHF (permission and players) was obtained.

The Indian Hockey Federation on Tuesday came to Vivek's help announcing a grant of Rs 1 lakh for his treatment. Talking to reporters in New Delhi, the president, KPS Gill, said, "We have come to know about Vivek's condition and decided to grant him the money for his treatment.'' The federation also had plans to further help him with part of the profit from the India-Pakistan hockey series, Mr Gill added.

The Hockey Journalists Association (HJA) has also presented a sum of Rs 43,000 for the former Olympian. Another former Olympian, Md Shahid has also demanded an exhibition match to help Vivek.

The Sports Journalists Association of Mumbai (SJAM) also presented Vivek Singh with Rs 25,000 towards treatment expenses, handed over by Mr.Darryl Crasto, SJAM president.

Somaiya said, "for players like Vivek who have served the nation with so much distinction, there should be a way to take care in difficult times," referring to recurring expenses on cancer treatment and provisions for family's future.

"I am glad to know from Vivek that employer Indian Railways is fully behind him. This is the time for federation to act. We appeal to corporate houses, Indian hockey sponsor Sahara India and the IHF to come forward and help outstanding players like him.

The benefit match he has sought permission for from the federation may happen in near future. The need is to make arrangements for money to reach him immediately, hence our decision to start a fund-raising drive."

Those interested can send contributions to Vivek Singh, c/o Rahul Singh, 1/20 Customs Quarters, Five Gardens, Edenwala Road, Matunga, Mumbai-400019 or contact him on 022-24110753/9821281996.

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