The 2014 Asian Games bronze medalist Chain Singh has overcome the illness which almost shattered his Rio Olympics dream. The shooter said that he is fit enough to take part in the competition. There was speculation that Sanjeev Rajput would replace Singh in the Rio Olympic team for the two events, namely, the 50m prone and 50m three positions.
Singh was diagnosed with pulmonary embolism, a condition where blood clots form in the veins of the patient and causes breathing trouble. After he was diagnosed with the disease, the shooter was admitted to the Hirslanden Klinik St Anna Hospital in Switzerland on July 21. At the hospital, the doctors assured him that the shooter did not require surgery, which came as a major relief to the athlete.
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As per reports from the PTI, Chain was relieved to hear that there would be no surgery and he would be able to shoot in the Olympics. "I was sad when I was hospitalised but next day doctors told me there would be no surgery. There was a thought once that if I fall seriously ill I may not be able to shoot. But the doctors told me that I would be able to shoot within a week," said the 2015 South Asian Games Gold medalist.
Also read: Rio Olympics 2016: All you need to know about the 50m rifle 3 positions
It was further reported that after a long flight to Rio, the shooter is taking rest and recovering. Singh also stated that the London Olympics bronze medalist Gagan Narang supported him while he was admitted in the hospital. "Gagan Sir was of great help in Switzerland when I fell sick as we were training together," Singh said to the PTI.
Gagan Narang will also be competing in the two events apart from the 10m air rifle. In spite of this, Singh said that he doesn’t consider the London Olympic Bronze medalist to be his competitor; rather he takes Narang as his senior teammate and friend. He said, "Gagan Sir is not a rival. He is our senior teammate, a friend and a great person."
Also read: Rio Olympics 2016: All you need to know about the men's 50 metres rifle prone event
Singh prayed while he was admitted in the hospital and he believed that God will help him to compete in his dream competition. He added, “My prayers to God gave me strength and I became okay. Deep inside, I had a firm belief that I would shoot in Rio, it's my dream. I more hungry now and will win an Olympic medal for my country.”
The Naik Subedar of the 13th J&K Light Infantry of the Indian Army, Chain Singh said, "Olympic Medal is my biggest dream and I want to achieve it this time.” He added “My journey to Olympic participation has been very enjoyable, I participated in all World Cups, I was given opportunity to buy my own rifle, ammunition and kit. My scores have also improved a lot, though I missed the medals narrowly in the World Cups."
