Sports ministry grants ailing Indian archer Limba Rs 5 lakh

The Sports Ministry, on Tuesday, released Rs 5 lakh for the treatment of ailing Indian archery great Limba Ram.

"The ministry has released the money for his treatment," an official in the ministry of sports said.

Later the ministry also tweeted that Sports Authority of India officials met the former Olympian and released the amount.

"LimbaRam is a champion of Indian sport and his speedy recovery is of utmost concern. #SAI Officials have met him and Rs. 5 lakhs will be released for his further treatment," the SAI tweet read.

The 46-year-old, who came close to winning a bronze medal at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992, is being treated for a neuro-degenerative disease at the AIIMS in Delhi in a six-bed unit of the general ward.

It's not confirmed, but learnt that Limba has developed Parkinson's disease and needs a good medical treatment.

Earlier, Dronacharya awardee and national observer (archery) Sanjeeva Singh had written to the sports ministry pleading for financial support for Limba’s treatment.

"He (Limba) requires medical aid to the tune of Rs 4-5 lakh. Humbly request for your kind support. The medical aid can be directly given to AIIMS," he wrote in the mail sent to DG SAI.

Limba was also a successful coach, having guided India to three gold, one silver and four bronze medals at the New Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games.

With him as coach, the Indian recurve archers, including Deepika Kumari held the number one ranking.

Limba's contract was not renewed after India's failure in London 2012 Olympics and since then recurve archery is in a downward spiral.