Limba Ram, Once A Superstar Of Indian Archery, Is Now Seeking Funds To Battle A Neurological Illness

In his prime, he was a picture of focus and poise as he effortlessly hit one target after another. Today, his hands shake as he grips yours, and a blank, confused look appears on his face as he suddenly goes silent while talking.

Limba Ram, 46, a one-time superstar of Indian archery, with a world record to his name, is desperately looking for funds to get his life-threatening neurological illness treated.

Limba, who had come within touching distance of winning bronze at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, has been admitted to AIIMS in a six-bed unit of the general category ward, fighting a grim battle against a neuro-degenerative disease (multiple system atrophy) which has only worsened with time.

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Limba's illness 'controllable but not curable'

The doctors visiting Limba told TOI he may have developed Parkinson's disease, but a confirmation is subject to further tests and scans. There's a possibility that he may be operated upon in coming days for a spinal issue, but that'll also depend on further medical examination.

"The doctors say his illness is not curable, but is very much controllable. All my husband needs is good medical treatment which he's getting here with all doctors so supportive and sympathetic towards him. It's just that we need the financial support to continue his treatment. Private hospitals in Delhi will charge a fortune, so we can't take him there," his wife, Merian Jenny, told TOI.

It's not that the Archery Association of India (AAI), led by its former president BVP Rao, or the Sports Authority of India (SAI) haven't come forward to help the former India coach.

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In fact, after Rao wrote to SAI director general Neelam Kapur, apprising her about Limba's deteriorating health and his urgent admission to a city hospital, she instructed the SAI officials to make all efforts to get the archer admitted to AIIMS at the earliest.

Two SAI officials ensured Limba's hassle-free admission at AIIMS, while also making it a point to visit him regularly. SAI has also made the arrangement for Jenny's stay at the residential hostel inside the Jawaharlal Nehru (JLN) stadium complex.

In fact, SAI secretary S S Chhabra has also written to the sports ministry to consider Limba's matter for financial assistance as a special case and release the monetary grant at the earliest.

The letter was written on April 25, 2019, but so far, the grant hasn't been released.

Jenny has full faith in the ministry and the system that money for Limba's treatment will be released soon. It's just that they are now bearing the entire expense of hospital treatment from their own pockets.

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"Last year, when Limba's health condition came to light, sports minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore had immediately released Rs 5 lakh as part of financial assistance. We have spent almost the entire amount on his treatment.

Now, whatever we are paying to AIIMS is from our own pocket, which is not much as of now. But, soon we will be needing the money," she stated. "We want fresh funding from the ministry, that's all. We are not complaining, we are just requesting the authorities," she added. Jenny's anger is mainly aimed at the Rajasthan State Sports Council (RSSC), where Limba was employed before falling ill.

"Medical bills of Rs 1 lakh are pending with the council and they are not giving us the money. We spent Rs 1.5 lakh on his treatment at the Sawai Man Singh hospital in Jaipur last year. We submitted the bills for reimbursement later on, but only Rs 50,000 has so far been released. It will of great help if we will get that money."

What has compounded Limba's problems is the ongoing general elections, which has slowed down the movement of files in the corridors of ministries, and the Supreme Court striking down the outcome of the AAI elections.