With no sponsors, India's squash champion 'ready to sell' his kidney for Rs 8 lakh

Bengaluru, Jan 12: In 2010, Ravi Dixit created history by becoming the 1st Indian male to win the Asian Junior squash title. But five years later, the champion youngster is forced to "sell" his kidney to fund his training.

Dixit apologises for his kidney selling offer

Dixit, who will celebrate his 24th birthday in 4 days (January 16), has posted on Facebook that he is "ready to sell" his kidney for Rs 8 lakh.

"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 was quoted as saying by "The Times of India" today (January 12).

"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 said in a Facebook post on Sunday (January 10), the report added.

Ramkailash Dixit, his father, told the newspaper, "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."

World number 211 Dixit is currently training in Chennai for the South Asian Games which will be held in Assam and Meghalaya next month. He is being coached by Major Maniam and Cyrus Poncha.

In July 2010, as an Under-19 player, Dixit won the Asian Junior Individual Championship in Colombo, making history.

OneIndia News