International Rafting Federation

News Bulletin #2009/09#1

Dear Rafters

Many of you have shown concern with regard to the status of Shaukat Sikand of India. We have received a number of different reports as to Shaukat's condition – as they differ we leave it up to you to choose which one you wish to believe.

1. Col. Amrik Singh who is Head of TIRF sub-committee and who came to Bosnia with Shaukat and also attended WRC in Ecuador - "He fractured his back on the Zanskar after the Kashmir Cup and was admitted in the hospital.  and This morning he slipped into a coma and was declared brain dead. The Team of Doctors are operating on him as we speak."

2. Director of Tourism - Jammu: "All we know is that Shaukat Sikand is in Max Hospital and is Not Brain Dead but with a very bad injury to his back which may take several months to recover. the Doctors at this stage do not know if he will ever recover fully and if he will ever be able to raft again. He is admitted in Max Hospital and shall be there for the next week or so and then a three week bed rest at home." "PLEASE KINDLY NOTE THAT SHAUKAT IS VERY MUCH ALIVE AND IS NOT BRAIN DEAD AS CLAIMED BY HIS DETRACTORS AND PEOPLE WHO DO NOT WISH WELL FOR HIM."

3. Rafters - "I phoned Shaukat who personally responded [must say ‘cheerfully’ from the death bed]. He did say he was hurt in the back> went in coma>> was operated upon>>> is on traction." “Coincidentally an investigation into the financial aspects of the Kashmir Cup was started by the government on Friday.”

4. Close family member - "Shaukat broken his back and in coma???!!!! You have got to be kidding me .. He is hale and hearty."

Kind regards
IRF BOD

 

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