New Delhi, June 13 (PTI) Vivek Singh desperately wants
the national hockey team to win a medal in the Olympics, for
it would inspire him further to continue fighting the battle
against lung cancer that is threatening to cut short his life.
The 37-year Olympian, an office superintendent with North
Eastern Railway, was first diagnosed and treated for urinary
bladder cancer in 2000. But doctors last year detected that
the cancer had spread to other parts of his body including the
lungs.
However, the fighter in the former player is not ready
to give up hope.
“Death comes to everyone. In my case it’s different since
I know that how it is coming. But I don’t fear since I have
not lost hope. I will fight against it,” the Varanasi-based
Vivek said at the Palam Airport here enroute to Mumbai, where
he would be getting treatment at the Tata Memorial Cancer
Hospital.
“I can’t allow the fear to dominate me as I have the
will power to fight against the odds.”
The centre half, who represented India in the Seoul
Olympics in 1988, Champions Trophy in Germany in 1989, Lahore
World Cup and the Beijing Asian Games in 1990, said during
his playing days he was regarded as a defensive player, but
a twist in fate has made him more aggressive. “I am fighting
the disease aggressively, not allowing it to subdue me.”
Vivek, who played in close to 200 internationals for the
country, is yet to receive any help from the Indian Hockey
Federation to fight the disease, which needs treatment that is
very expensive.
“I think there should be a fund for players who face such
a time in their life. Any one can get this disease. So the
fund would definitely offer help to the afflicted-players.
“I have written a letter to the IHF but I am yet to get
a response. But still I hope they will do something.”
Vivek said he wants his children — two daughters — to
play for the country in the Olympics.
“I want my daughters to be hockey players and play in the
Olympics.
“I also want to do something for the country. Having
played in the Olympics, I want to pass on my skills to a
youngster who can play for India in future.”
Vivek said he was being look after well by his employers
Railways.
The former player was overwhelmed with the gesture of
Hockey Journalists Association which handed him contributions
collected by well-wishers for his treatment yesterday.
“You all have taken the initiative and have been
supporting my cause. I am proud of you all. I am really
grateful as you have presented me with a purse in a crucial
time of my life. I am honoured by this grand gesture. I hope
your well wishes will carry me through this crisis.”