Indian para-cyclist Arshad Shaik, the country's sole cycling representative at the Asian Para Games, is set to undergo surgery for a comminuted, displaced subtrochanteric fracture of the femur — a severe upper thigh bone break — sustained during a fall at the ongoing Games in Shizuoka, Japan. The injury occurred in his above-knee amputated left limb during the time trial event on Wednesday night, and he is expected to remain hospitalised for 10 to 14 days post-surgery, according to India's chief team physician.

How the Injury Unfolded

Arshad, a 2024 Paralympian who competed at the Paris Paralympics, slipped during the time trial at the Games and was initially transported by the Japanese event medical team to Juntendo University Hospital in Shizuoka. Chief team physician Dr. Ameya Kagali, who was stationed at the Mizohu Athletics Stadium in Nagoya at the time, immediately set out for Shizuoka — a road journey of approximately 300 km — upon receiving the call. He arrived at the hospital at 11:30 PM local time on Wednesday, accompanied by Mr. Chaitanya, team India coordinator in Japan, and Manish Rana, a Paralympique Committee of India (PCI) official.

Diagnosis and Hospital Transfer

Scans at the first hospital confirmed the fracture: a comminuted, displaced subtrochanteric break located within 5 cm below the lesser trochanter — classified as a severe injury requiring surgical intervention. However, the required surgeons were unavailable at Juntendo University Hospital until Sunday, as they were attending a conference. Rather than wait, the medical team acted swiftly. 'We couldn't wait till then, so we took a call to shift him,' Dr. Kagali said. On the recommendation of Dr. Shinya, Medical Chair of the Asian Para Committee, Arshad was transferred by ambulance to Chutoen Sogo Izu General Hospital — situated roughly midway between Nagoya and Shizuoka — where surgery was scheduled for 1 PM local time the following day.

Logistical and Communication Challenges

The medical team faced significant hurdles in coordinating Arshad's care, including poor network connectivity and language barriers. 'We were trying to activate all the channels of doctors that we know who are in Japan and also the embassy where we can make arrangements for any manpower that's required later on. But, again, the network was bad. We were working on language barriers,' Dr. Kagali noted. Despite these obstacles, coordination with the Indian Embassy and local medical contacts was maintained throughout.

Arshad's Condition and Emotional Support

According to Dr. Kagali, Arshad remained stable ahead of surgery, with all blood reports returning normal and the athlete cleared as fit for the procedure. Of the 168 athletes in India's contingent, Arshad was the only one based in Shizuoka — all 167 others were in Nagoya — given that the cycling venue is located in a separate setting. The physician, who has known Arshad since the Paris Paralympics and described a personal connection with the athlete, underscored the importance of emotional support during the ordeal. 'It's just too unfortunate that it has happened. So we need to give moral support to them,' he said.

Recovery Timeline and What Comes Next

Post-surgery, Arshad is expected to remain at Chutoen Sogo Izu General Hospital for approximately 10 to 14 days before any further plans for his return can be confirmed. The timeline for his repatriation to India will depend on his surgical and post-operative progress. The Indian contingent, the Paralympic Committee of India, and the Indian Embassy are monitoring the situation closely as Arshad begins what is expected to be a lengthy rehabilitation ahead.