With some help, Dingko looks to 'box' cancer away

JAIPUR: Edna Campbell is one of the more familiar names in WNBA circles, as she was a prominent player in the league during the early 2000's. In her fourth year in the league, though, she captured headlines for reasons she never could have predicted - she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Eric Shanteau spent most of his younger years dominating other swimmers in the pool.He was good enough to earn a spot on the 2008 US Olympic swim team. He was diagnosed with cancer a week before the Beijing Olympic Games.
There are numerous athletes and sports figures, who have been hit by cancer. For example, American cyclist Lance Armstrong, South Africa allrounder Dave Callaghan and Simon O'Donnell Soon, all have been affected by the deadly disease.
When a young kid asked Yuvraj Singh last year if he could again hit those six sixes, the cancer survivor and World Cup hero, India batsman Yuvraj replied, "you pray, I will hit six sixes again."
The India allrounder recovered from a rare germ cell cancer a few years back. After his treatment in Indianapolis, Yuvraj's cancer showing full signs of remission. He aimed at resuming cricket at the World Twenty20 and the selectors picked him to be a part of the 15-member Indian squad for the World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka in September 2012.
Now the disturbing news is that Dingko Singh, a former Asian Games gold medallist boxer, has been diagnosed with bile duct cancer. He underwent a surgery in the first week of January, during which 70 per cent of his liver had to be removed.
To raise money for his treatment, the former Navy man had to sell his house in Imphal. The family has already spent Rs 10 lakh so far treatment.
The good news is that sport minister Vijay Goel assured the pugilist of all possible help for his speedy recovery.
"Dingko Singh has been provided initial financial aid and he has been assured that whatever his needs are will be taken care of," Goel said in his first tweet.
"Dingko is also a SAI coach in Imphal. DG @Media_SAI visited him and promised him all possible help. We pray for his speedy recovery," Goel said in another tweet.
According to doctors, survival rates are higher than 90% if it is diagnosed in the early stages. But the patient needs a liver transplantation if the tumours are large.
Now, not only the pugilists, all others from different sports disciplines have taken to Twitter and wish their support to him. "Fight it out mate. You are a top man. All the strength goes out to you and your family," said one of his contemporaries.