BREAKING: Assam boxer critically injured in inter-dist tourney; admitted to ICU

GUWAHATI: Inspired by two-time Olympian Shiva Thapa, 17-year-old Sam Prasad Sharma of Ledo in Assam stressed himself beyond his limits to land up at the intensive care unit (ICU) of a private hospital here with severe brain injury.

A youth even pugilist Sharma sustained serious injury during a bout of the 41st All Assam Inter-district Sub-Junior and Youth Boxing Championship that concluded at Sarusajai Sports Complex here today.

“He is on ventilator support and doctors have stated his condition to be critical,” said Assam Amateur Boxing Association secretary Hemanta Kalita.

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Sharma was representing Sivasagar district in the annual meet.

Sources said Sharma was a trainee at Sports Authority of India Guwahati training centre here and was released because of his physical weakness. He, however, continued to pursue his boxing career staying in a rented accommodation here.

Pointed it out to Kalita, he said: “We were not aware if he had any internal weakness. His boxing skills are absolutely fine. He was also playing with proper headgear.”

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“He collapsed during a light fly weight category (below-49 kg) bout yesterday and we rushed him immediately to a hospital. He was When his condition was diagnosed to be critical, we shifted him immediately to a private hospital with better facilities. But, doctors said he was still in a critical condition.

“We are prepared to shift him to the best possible hospital using air ambulance if his condition improves a bit,” Kalita said, adding that his father, a daily wage labourer, and brother have also arrived here. “We are not allowing them to spend a single penny,” he added.

Asked if he was taking on any heavier weight category opponent, Kalita said: “It is not permissible under any circumstances these days. Even if somebody insists for such a switch, nobody is allowed at this level. A boxer can compete only in his/her weight category.”