Nepali judoka Debu Thapa has sustained a ligament injury on her right thigh after the lift in Imperial Hotel fell down on Friday morning, injuring eight other Nepali athletes. However, Debu is expecting to return in the judo-ring in February 1 during the SAG. [break]
Among others injured in the incident, Kaluman Tamang and Ramesh Magar have also been admitted to the same hospital for ligament injury in left leg. They were taken to the operation theater while Debu was in process of discharge.
Debu is still hopeful of participating in her event and fight for the medal. “Earlier, my first match was scheduled for January 31 but it has now been rescheduled for February 1,” said Debu.
Doctors have covered her both legs by taping slacks and administered painkillers. “Doctors have told me that I can play with taping slacks and using painkillers,” said Debu, adding, “I´m praying for strength to compete in the game.”
Ashis Shah at the hospital said, “Debu will be discharged later today, her injury is minor. Other two male players are undergoing surgery and they will have to take rest for a week at least.”
Though Debu hopes to play, she is still in trauma. “When the lift fell down, I felt as if I would not to see the next moment,” said Debu. However, she is determined to play and win. “I had a good training this time. I could knock down top Indian players during training sessions. I was expecting gold in Dhaka but after the accident I´m not sure,” she said adding that she would, however, return home with a medal.
“There will be physiotherapists with me during the match and I will play the match with protective gears,” she explained.
Minister for Youth and Sports Ganesh Tiwari Nepali, Nepal Olympic Committee President Dhurba Bahadur Pradhan, National Sports Council´s Member Secretary and Save the Mission of Nepali delegates Hari Babu Chaudhary visited the hospital and consoled Debu on Saturday. NOC General Secretary Jiwan Ram Shrestha and other officials had reached the hospital on Friday.
Debu is competing in the 63 kg weight category. Kaluman and Ramesh were to compete in the 100 kg and 66 kg weight class respectively.
After the incident all Nepali players and officials have been shifted to another hotel.
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