Dingko Singh was one of the well-known names in Indian Sports during the 1990s. With no near or far relation with professional boxing, Dingko hails from Manipur. He was brought up in an orphanage and thus had to fight various adversities before bringing laurels to the nation.
Mind you, that was the time when the cricket team failed to score even a mere 200 runs consistently. But the typical Indian thing happened eventually. His name has long been forgotten along with his heroic efforts.
While speaking to a Sports Website, he said, “I have been suffering from Hepatitis for the past two years. I requested all the top city hospitals here in New Delhi and other hospitals such as the Gangaram as well, but they denied me entry.
The Sports Authority of India (SAI) gave me Rs 50,000 for treatment but still they didn’t let me enter. Thankfully my cousin has come to help me. Otherwise I would be in some serious trouble as I’m not being able to travel short distances. It’s leading to breathlessness.”
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Fortunately a doctor from Manipur recognised Dingko and rushed to help him. Inspite of this, the 37-years-old is still unsure about whether the treatment will continue or not.
He said, “I waited for 10 days before a guardian angel in this doctor saw my state. He subsidised everything for me, but still I’m unsure because I don’t have enough money. If it wasn’t for this doctor, I wouldn’t have even been given the chance. Despite the fact that I told them what I had done in 1998.”
Dingko is currently employed at the Sports Authority Of India(SAI) in Imphal. He is an Assistant Director there and the pay was not enough for the treatment. Further he said, “I was outside the hospital for hours, requesting them to let me get treatment. But, they kept on saying that Rs 50,000 isn’t enough; shouldn’t they be a bit more considerate with a Padma Shri? It’s not like I wouldn’t pay for it, once I got the money, I would give it to them immediately.”
Dingko’s well-wishers have started to pool in money so that he can get the treatment as required. Dingko added, “I have no idea what will happen. I just want to get healed and start working for sports again.”
