The steel city cycling fraternity has decided to extend financial support to former Asian Games cyclist Swaran Singh who is struggling to make ends meet.
About 15 former cyclists have decided to pool in money to help 70-year-old Singh, who now works as a security guard at Vijaya Gardens in Baridih.
Satbir Singh Sahota, former secretary of the Jharkhand Cycling Association and an ex-international cyclist, will be also writing to the Cycling Federation of India for supporting Singh.
Sahota said he spoke with former cyclists about Singh’s problems and all have agreed to contribute towards the fund. “I think we can help Singh a little if we all contribute Rs 2,000 each. We are extremely upset with the condition of our senior cyclist,” Sahota said.
The Telegraph Online reported on Singh’s plight recently. He represented the country in the 1970 Asian Games in Bangkok. He started facing problems after taking voluntary retirement from Tata Steel (in 1994) where he worked as a senior sports assistant. The former athlete now lives alone in a rented dingy room at Baridih slum. He receives a monthly salary of Rs 10,000.
