sports

Updated: Jan 13, 2016 15:19 IST

Squash player Ravi Dixit on Tuesday clarified that he didn’t intend to sell one of his kidneys to pursue his career but had taken the step out of frustration.

Talking to HT over the phone he said, “I was frustrated and under depression after failing to get a sponsorship for coaching and future championships. Hence I posted the text hoping that my friends and supporters will come forward to help,” said Ravi. He, however, deleted the post barely an hour after he began receiving calls from people offering help in his home town.

Read more: Lack of sponsors forces squash gold medallist to offer kidney for sale

Some NGOs from the city also called in to offer help. “I received calls from some NGOs but could not save their numbers,” said Ravi who believes that the financial aid given by the government is insufficient to help players achieve their goals at the international level.

Read more: Squash player backtracks on kidney sale threat

A resident of Dhampur town in Bijnor district of western UP Ravi has been selected to represent India in the South Asian Games scheduled to be held in Guwahati from next month. He is currently undergoing training in Chennai to prepare for the championship.

Ravi’s father Ram Kailash is a class four employee at Dhampur Sugar Mill. Ravi began his career as a squash player from the mill sports complex. Impressed by his performance, the mill management promoted him after which he won several medals at the national and international level.

Currently number 3 in India, he requires Rs 10 lakh to 12 lakh annually to continue to participate in national and international championships.