The bronze winner of 1984 Asian Weightlifting Championship held in Damascus, Syria has been suffering from intestine cancer, stated his coach Partha Sarathi Sen Gupta. [break]
Hamal, participant of the New Delhi Asiad in 1982, Los Angels Olympic in 1984, was the vital member of Nepal´s weightlifting team since the first to fifth edition of South Asian Games (SAG). "Hamal is my student and he was disciplined and democratic player," Gupta said to the Republica.
According to Gupta, Hamal´s cancer has entered second phase. "Hamal treatment is going on in Lucknow and the doctors have suggested him to undergo prompt surgery," Gupta said adding, "We showed Lucknow doctor´s prescription and case history to Nepali doctors. Nepali doctors have also suggested undergoing surgery in Lucknow as the doctors over there are experienced. The surgery should be done by February 11."
The 49-year old Hamal is also the elected vice president of Nepal Weightlifting Association. "He was in good shape some months earlier but now he looks weaker," Gupta said adding, "He was an all-rounder. He played not only weightlifting but was also excellent in table tennis and cricket. He believed in democracy and raised his voice in favor of democracy during Panchyat."
Surendra Hamal, the younger brother of table tennis chief coach Brijendra Hamal is the member of family which was involved in the nation´s democratic movement. "Surendra was the Free Students´ Union President of Mahendra Multiple Campus, Nepalgunj. He was also elected the deputy mayor of Nepalgunj Municipality after the restoration of democracy in 1990.
"Currently doctors have suggested cutting intestine and throwing it. After the examination on intestine they will decide whether chemotherapy will be required or not," Hamal said to the Republica over telephone. Doctor Bivek Gagra is doing Hamal´s treatment.
Along with Gupta, Nepal Olympian Commission and Nepal National and International Players´ Association (NNIPA) is taking initiation to raise money for Hamal´s treatment. According to Deepak Bista, the president of NNIPA, National Sports Council has assured to provide financial support for Hamal´s treatment.
NNIPA is also preparing to visit Nepal Olympic Committee (NOC) and other governmental bodies to raise fund for Hamal´s treatment. "Hamal (dai) has great contribution in sports. Every stakeholder including Government of Nepal, NSC, NOC and other must support him.
NNIPA will also support for his treatment," Bista said. Rs 200,000 is required for his immediate surgery while additional amount will be needed if he needs chemotherapy.
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