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State government fails to help, as Asiad gold medalist Hakam Singh Bhattal fights for his life
It is well-known that India doesn't treat its sportspersons with the respect they deserve. Another incident has taken place to solidify this claim. Asiad Gold medal winner Hakam Singh Bhattal, who is now 64 years old, is in the hospital battling severe liver and kidney problems. Singh's family is looking for help from the government but has so far received nothing in return. Hakam Singh Bhattal had won the Gold medal for India at the 1978 Asian Games in Bangkok. His medal came in the 20km Walk, an event which is relatively unknown to Indians. Singh also created a new record with his walk. His good form carried over to a couple more years, as he won the Gold medal at the Asian Track and Field Meeting in Tokyo. 
Image: NavBharat Times However, his promising career was cut short when he was involved in an accident. The mishap forced Singh to hang up his boots in 1981, just three years after he had won the Gold at Asiad. Nevertheless, Singh continued his association with sports by becoming a coach. Singh also served in the army and the Punjab police. In 2008, Singh's contributions to the field of sports were finally recognised, and he was conferred the Dhyan Chand Award by the then President, Pratibha Patil. However, the former champion now faces a tough situation, as he is currently undergoing treatment for Liver and Kidney ailments. Singh is presently admitted in a private hospital in Sangrur, after spending four days in Barnala. Speaking to Times of India, Singh's wife Beant Kaur slated the state government for failing to provide any help. "My husband has not got any financial assistance from the state government for his treatment. His liver is almost damaged," Kaur told TOI. It is sad to see Singh receive no assistance from the government for his ailments. The situation, once again, brings to the fore the unfortunate state of sportspersons in the nation.
Also read: Sarwan Singh: An Asian medalist whose achievements were erased by time
Image: NavBharat Times However, his promising career was cut short when he was involved in an accident. The mishap forced Singh to hang up his boots in 1981, just three years after he had won the Gold at Asiad. Nevertheless, Singh continued his association with sports by becoming a coach. Singh also served in the army and the Punjab police. In 2008, Singh's contributions to the field of sports were finally recognised, and he was conferred the Dhyan Chand Award by the then President, Pratibha Patil. However, the former champion now faces a tough situation, as he is currently undergoing treatment for Liver and Kidney ailments. Singh is presently admitted in a private hospital in Sangrur, after spending four days in Barnala. Speaking to Times of India, Singh's wife Beant Kaur slated the state government for failing to provide any help. "My husband has not got any financial assistance from the state government for his treatment. His liver is almost damaged," Kaur told TOI. It is sad to see Singh receive no assistance from the government for his ailments. The situation, once again, brings to the fore the unfortunate state of sportspersons in the nation. Also read: Sarwan Singh: An Asian medalist whose achievements were erased by time
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