International athletes are in safe hands at Ashgabat 2017

Kazakhstan’s Sergey Grigoryev set a games record of 5.40m to win the Men’s Pole Vault at the ongoing 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Ashgabat. Coasting to victory with a 0.15 m lead over the rest of the contingent, the 28-year-old set sights on closing in on the World Record with one final jump.

However, it didn’t go according to plan as he fell back to the floor from eight feet, drawing gasps from the capacity crowd who feared the worst.

Grigoryev was stretchered off to the medical centre for emergency treatment and was unable to receive the standing ovation that his winning performance richly deserved.

However, after three hours of intensive treatment by the world-class doctors, Grigoryev emerged transformed and ready for more!

“I cannot thank the medical staff enough, I sprained my back from the fall, but if it was not treated properly, I could have faced some injuries, especially with the Kazakhstan national championship coming up. If it was left untreated, I would’ve certainly suffered worse than a sprain,” he said.

Not only did Sergey return to the Indoor Athletics Arena, he was also able to receive his gold medal the very next day at the medal ceremony. He was put under three consecutive days of rehabilitation before being allowed to leave for Almaty.

His story of the excellent treatment received has been echoed by more officials who have come out in praise for the medical teams covering Ashgabat 2017.

Jordan’s Olympic Committee Secretary General Nasser Majali said, “One of our eSports guys suffered a wrist injury two days before the event.'

“The medical team at the centre worked closely with our medical team to get him rehabilitated. Within the next 24 hours, he was feeling better and he was given accurate medication that would not affect his practice regime either.”

The incredible medical centre at the Asian Indoor Games (Image courtesy: Ashgabat 2017)

Never seen such facilities, even at Rio: Sprinter Dutee Chand

Dutee Chand, a member of India’s athletics contingent suffered a knee injury, days before her event. She was rushed to the medical centre.

Dutee said, “It’s the best in the world, to be honest. I’ve been to London, Rio and several IAAF World Championships, but I’ve never seen anything like this. My injury was fixed quickly, and I competed and reached the finals of my event. I wasn’t happy with my result, but if the medical team wasn’t there, I wouldn’t have been able to participate.”

The Macau contingent suffered serious problems after two of their athletes required surgery. The contingent’s Chef de Mission Pun Weng Kun said, “We would like to officially thank the medical staff for their support and their help, without which we couldn’t have transported our athletes back home for surgery.”

Immediate medical services have been provided to all venues, with as many as 500 Ministry of Health officials deployed across various strategic points. Thirty-five ambulances were distributed across all venues, while the medical centre has catered to over 3,000 injuries and illnesses to date.

CEO of the Executive Committee James Bulley termed it as the ‘Best in the World’, during a press conference earlier today. With the closing ceremony nearing, the medical staff in Ashgabat has definitely proved their worth.