Indian Squash gold medallist Ravi Dixit ‘auctions’ kidney to fund for South Asian Games

This passionate 20-year-old squash player from Uttar Pradesh shocked the nation by auctioning his kidney on the social media in order to sponsor himself for the upcoming South Asian Games 2016. Ravi, a gold medallist in the 2010 Asian junior championship is in need of eight lakhs rupees to kick off his campaign in the 12th South Asian Games starting next month in Guwahati, Assam and Shillong, Meghalaya, India.

The plight of Ravi Dixit can be understood with his Facebook post which read,”I have been playing squash for the last 10 years. Even after winning so many medals and representing India so many times, I do not get any support to take my squash to the national and international levels,” Dixit said.

“Dhampur Sugar Mill has supported me but how long will they continue to support me? Next month, the games are starting in Guwahati and I am representing India. To prepare for the tournament, I am training in Chennai but I have not been able to arrange enough money to fund my campaign for the games. I have lost my determination. I am ready to sell my kidney. If anyone needs a kidney, they can contact me. The price of my kidney is Rs 8 lakh,” he continued.

Ravi’s attempt of selling kidney is considered illegal which has got his parents worried. He belongs to a middle-class family from Bijnor in the state of Uttar Pradesh. His father is working with Dhampur Sugar Mill, which supports his campaigns.

As per the Times of India reports his father Ramkailash Dixit was quoted saying, “I have spoken to Ravi. He is in Chennai right now but I spoke to him on the phone. His mother and I are imploring him not to take the step. Together, we will figure out a way to deal with this crisis. This way, he will ruin both his life and career. I am saddened to hear that my son is taking such a drastic measure. I funded my daughter’s wedding with Ravi’s winnings. Since he has to support the family as well, he cannot use much of what he gets for himself.”

His mother Sarvesh said that it was very difficult to support him with the limited income of his father. Dhampur Sugar Mill had been very generous in supporting Ravi’s career. But the family is too embarrassed to seek the help of the mill anymore.

“The mill has always supported Ravi in his endeavor. We wish he had come to us before doing such a thing. We will speak to him and do whatever we can to help him.” Vijay Gupta, an official at the mill, told The Times of India.

Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh state minister Moolchand Chauhan said that Dixit was a talented player and he will meet the player’s family, take the matter to chief minister Akhilesh Yadav, and will help him financially.

News Source - TOI