Asian Games gold-winning boxer Dingko Singh has recovered from Covid-19, testing negative on Friday over a month after after being hospitalised in Imphal.
Back at his home, but in isolation for the next fortnight, Singh spoke about the ordeal he endured, including getting five positive tests since in May.
“It was a very difficult one month. I can’t thank enough the doctors and nurses, who treated me. I am indebted to them for life,” Singh told PTI.
“I tested positive five times during my stay in hospital. It was very traumatising because I would see people, who came after me, leave before me. But somehow I kept going thanks to the doctors and nurses,” he recalled.
Singh’s ordeal began when he was flown to Delhi for radiation therapy to treat his cancer. However, he was diagnosed with jaundice on landing in New Delhi and the session had to cancelled. With flights still not in operation because of the lockdown, Singh took an arduous 2,400km journey back to Manipur.
Upon reaching Imphal, he tested positive for Covid-19. But the 41-year-old fought through.
“It was not easy but I told myself ‘ladna hai toh ladna hai’ [I will fight if I have to]. I was not prepared to give up, no one should. Now my jaundice has also come under control and I would be all clear to continue my radiation therapy soon,” he said.
“I am very thankful to the Boxing Federation of India President Ajay Singh, Executive Director R K Sacheti and Secretary General Jay Kowli for constantly checking on me during this time,” he added.
The former bantamweight boxer won the Asian Games gold in the 1998 edition in Bangkok. He was bestowed the Arjuna award in 1998 and was presented the nation’s fourth highest civilian honour – the Padma Shri – in 2013.
Singh is employed with the Indian Navy and also worked as a coach before ill-health confined him to his home.
“I am isolated on the top floor of my house in Imphal but I am just so happy to be back home. Everyone is celebrating, people from my village came to give their good wishes. I couldn’t meet them but I am happy they cared,” he said.
He added: “I don’t want to hear about Delhi for some time. I have gone through so much there. I will come for a check up but that will be later. For now, I am just overwhelmed by a feeling of relief,” he said.
Singh has been battling ill-health for a number of years now, starting with liver cancer, for which he has been receiving treatment since 2017.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!