Baiting fate a second time

Mysore, June 1: For Shobha Kumari Chetri, it was a case of second time unlucky. The charming 15-year-old from Orissa, who is the only gymna...

Mysore, June 1: For Shobha Kumari Chetri, it was a case of second time unlucky. The charming 15-year-old from Orissa, who is the only gymnast from her state in the Fourth National Games, took to the uneven bars today morning in an act of adventure. But unfortunately, that impetuous act proved disastrous.

Shobha, who had twisted her left knee joint during a dismount from the balance beam on Saturday, was advised not to participate in the event by doctors. Despite that, she began her routine on the uneven bars, and, on the third round on the lower of the two bars had her knee jerked by the foam beneath to leave the routine midway.

Dr. B. G. Sagar, the convener of the medical committee, who had treated her on Saturday, diagnosed today’s injury as a ligament tear in the left knee joint. However, the extent of damage to her knee will be known only after arthroscopic examination.

Story continues below this ad

According to R.Mohan, manager of the Orissa team, “The doctor had not said anything about her participation today. In fact, we tried to meet the doctor yesterday evening, but he was not available. Besides, she did not complain of any pain after yesterday evening, which is why I decided to field her in the competition today."

Mohan also complained about the soft nature of the landing foam mattress, which caused the injury.

“The mat is too soft and when the gymnasts land, they find it difficult to stand still and invariably go loose on their knees.That’s is the reason for Shobha getting injured,” he explained.

Whether it was because of defective equipment or the result of turning a deaf ear to medical advice, it is sure that this gymnast’s future is under a cloud.

Trump announces TikTok deal, surprise China visit ‘early next year’ after call with Xi

World8 hr ago

Trump and Xi had a successful phone call, addressing trade, Fentanyl, and TikTok. They plan to meet at APEC Summit and for Trump to visit China, with Xi visiting the US. Congress wants TikTok to sell its US assets or shut down, but Trump has not enforced this due to the app's value and progress.

View all shorts

Live Blog