Asian Para Games: Arshad Shaik to undergo surgery after femur fracture in Shizuoka
Synopsis
India's lone para-cyclist at the Asian Para Games, Arshad Shaik, is facing surgery after a severe femur fracture during a time trial in Shizuoka. An overnight 300-km dash by the chief physio, a hospital transfer on the advice of the Games' own Medical Chair, and a race against the clock to find available surgeons — behind a sports injury report lies an extraordinary logistical operation to save a Paralympian.
Key Takeaways
Arshad Shaik , India's sole para-cyclist at the Asian Para Games , suffered a comminuted, displaced subtrochanteric fracture of the femur during a time trial in Shizuoka, Japan .
Surgery is scheduled for 1 PM local time Thursday at Chutoen Sogo Izu General Hospital , following a transfer on the advice of the Asian Paralympics Committee's Medical Chair Dr.
Chief team physio Dr.
Ameya Kagali travelled 300 km overnight from Nagoya to Shizuoka to attend to the athlete.
Arshad is currently stable with normal blood reports and is confirmed fit for surgery.
Post-operative hospital recovery is estimated at 10 to 14 days .
Arshad was the only one of India's 168 athletes stationed in Shizuoka; the rest of the contingent is based in Nagoya .
India's sole para-cyclist at the Asian Para Games, Arshad Shaik, is set to undergo surgery after suffering a comminuted, displaced subtrochanteric fracture of the femur in his above-knee amputated left limb during a fall at the ongoing Games in Shizuoka, Japan. The 2024 Paralympian slipped during a time trial on Wednesday night and was immediately attended to by the Japanese event medical team before being hospitalised.
How the Injury Unfolded
Arshad was initially taken to Juntendo University Hospital in Shizuoka by the event's medical team after the fall. Chief team physio Dr. Ameya Kagali, who was at the Mizohu Athletics Stadium in Nagoya at the time, made a 300-km overnight journey to reach Arshad. He arrived at the hospital at 11:30 PM local time alongside team coordinator Mr. Chaitanya and Manish Rana, a Paralympian Committee of India (PCI) official.
'When I received the call about his injury, I was at Mizohu Athletics stadium in Nagoya. Nagoya to Shizuoka is 300 Kms. Me and my team left for the hospital where Arshad was admitted and reached at 11:30 PM local time on Wednesday,' Dr. Kagali said.
Medical Diagnosis and Transfer
Scans at the initial hospital confirmed the diagnosis: a comminuted, displaced subtrochanteric fracture of the femur — a severe break in the upper thigh bone located within 5 cm below the lesser trochanter. The injury required urgent surgical intervention, but the required surgeons were unavailable at Juntendo University Hospital until Sunday due to a conference.
On the recommendation of Dr. Shinya, Medical Chair of the Asian Paralympics Committee, Arshad was shifted by ambulance to Chutoen Sogo Izu General Hospital — situated at the midpoint between Nagoya and Shizuoka. 'We couldn't wait till then, so we took a call to shift him,' Dr. Kagali confirmed. Surgery is scheduled for 1 PM local time on Thursday.
Language Barriers and Logistical Challenges
The Indian medical team faced significant hurdles navigating the Japanese healthcare system, including network outages and language barriers. Dr. Kagali noted that efforts were made simultaneously to activate contacts within Japan's medical community and to liaise with the Indian embassy for potential support. '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,' he said.
Arshad's Condition and Moral Support
Despite the severity of the injury, Dr. Kagali confirmed that Arshad is stable, with all blood reports returning normal results, and that he is fit for surgery. The physio, who has known Arshad personally since the Paris Paralympics, emphasised the importance of emotional support for the athlete during this period. 'It's just too unfortunate that it has happened. So we need to give moral support to them,' he said.
Notably, Arshad was the only member of the 168-strong Indian contingent based in Shizuoka; the remaining 167 athletes are stationed in Nagoya. Post-surgery, he is expected to remain hospitalised for 10 to 14 days before any further travel plans can be assessed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What injury did Arshad Shaik suffer at the Asian Para Games?
Arshad Shaik suffered a comminuted, displaced subtrochanteric fracture of the femur — a severe break in the upper thigh bone within 5 cm below the lesser trochanter — in his above-knee amputated left limb after a fall during a time trial in Shizuoka, Japan.
When and where will Arshad Shaik undergo surgery?
Surgery is scheduled for 1 PM local time on Thursday at Chutoen Sogo Izu General Hospital in Japan, which is located between Nagoya and Shizuoka. The venue was recommended by the Asian Paralympics Committee's Medical Chair, Dr. Shinya.
Why was Arshad Shaik transferred between hospitals?
The surgeons required for the procedure were unavailable at the initial facility, Juntendo University Hospital in Shizuoka, until Sunday due to an ongoing conference. To avoid the wait, the medical team arranged a transfer to Chutoen Sogo Izu General Hospital, where surgery could be performed sooner.
How long will Arshad Shaik's recovery take?
Chief team physio Dr. Ameya Kagali indicated Arshad will need to remain hospitalised for approximately 10 to 14 days following surgery. His blood reports are currently normal and he has been confirmed fit to undergo the procedure.
Who is Arshad Shaik?
Arshad Shaik is a 2024 Paralympian and India's sole representative in para-cycling at the Asian Para Games. He was the only member of the 168-strong Indian contingent based in Shizuoka, with the remaining 167 athletes stationed in Nagoya.
