Squash player backtracks on kidney sale threat

Young Indian squash player Ravi Dixit today clarified that he does not intend to sell one of his kidneys to pursue his career though he gave it a serious thought at one point after failing to get sponsors for foreign tours.

After creating a hornet's nest with his "selling the kidney" comment on his facebook post, Dixit made contradictory statements. He first clarified that he does not intend to sell one of his kidneys and "his spur of the moment" remark was blown out of proportion.
But later in the day, he told PTI that he indeed had seen a doctor to inquire about a surgery on his kidney.

"I did give it (selling kidney) a serious thought. I went to a doctor in Lucknow and he told me that I could play with one kidney five to six months after operation. I still have no sponsors so I hope something happens soon. I wrote Rs 8 lakh as the price for my kidney as the annual budget for touring is Rs 12 lakh," Dixit said when contacted.

"I was feeling really low and that is why I posted that (deleted now). I realise it was not the right thing to do. I will continue looking for sponsors," he added.

Earlier in the day, Dixit, a former Asian junior champion, apologised for the turn of events.
"I did not realise there is so much to be read into this until I received a call from a reporter," said 23-year-old Dixit who is part of Indian team for next month's South Asian Games.

In a hand written letter to the president of Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRF), Dixit said he would continue playing the game.

"Squash is my life and I wish to continue playing it. I am keen to pursue the game as my career and would continuously look for sponsors. I never intended to sell my kidney and it was a spur of the moment statement for which I am sorry. I apologise to my family and the people who have supported me," Dixit said.

India's top male squash player Saurav Ghosal too was shocked at Dixit's comments.
"I have interacted with him many times and to be honest, I never thought the situation was so extreme (that he would think of selling his kidney). I have not spoken to him, I have only read his comments in the media. It is unfortunate if he thought to do something like that. I am sure there are better ways to fund your career," Ghosal told PTI.

SRFI chief Debendranath Sarangi, in a statement, said Dixit has been with the Indian Squash Academy (ISA) in Chennai for nine years and has been staying and training there.

"The ISA and SRFI provide him financial assistance for participation in the national/international tournaments, in addition to the funding from sports ministry and Dhampur Sugar Mills. He has also gone abroad for training," Sarangi said.