“I still feel like I can catch a few balls,” said Bista whose health has shown some improvement following chemotherapy. [break]
The 56-year-old athlete was diagnosed with lungs and bone cancer about two months ago in course of regular check up. Two years ago, one of his kidneys was removed. “Doctors have said I´ll be alright. That´s half the treatment,” he said.
But the problem is the cost of his medicines, which is beyond what he can afford. “One tablet costs around Rs 3,000 and I´ve to take four of them each day. The cost is equal to my one month´s salary,” said Bista remorsefully.
Bista requested for help from the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA), the Nepal Olympic Committee, the National Sports Council and the prime minister but none of them responded to his written plea submitted about a month and half ago.
“I feel really hurt as no one from ANFA has visited me even after I informed them about my condition. Journalists have come seeking me but it is sad that football authorities are apathetic,” he said.
He wonders if he would have got help had he taken up some other profession. However, he doesn´t regret anything. “Football is as such, kahile tali kahile gali (sometimes applause and sometimes jeering),” he said.
Recalling his past days Bista says, “What we do comes back to us.” When his father was seriously ill he used to attend football matches at the Dasharath Stadium. Now when he is sick his son Sameer, also a footballer, has to play the ongoing domestic league from Nabil Three Star Club.
Bista has already spent one million rupees for his treatment in the past two months and he is in need of funds for further treatment.
“If I have done anything for the country then I hope I might get support from the government,” he said at a press conference organized by Nepal Sports Journalist Forum on Saturday.
Bista had represented Nepal in various international matches like the DCL Cup, New Delhi in 1975, the Aga Khan Gold Cup, Dhaka in 1979, the President Cup, Dhaka in 1979, the Asian Youth Games, Bangladesh in 1980, the King´s Cup, Bangkok in 1982 and the Ninth Asian Games in New Delhi the same year.
Bista has played from Jawalkhel Youth Club, Sanepa Club, Norbuling and Boys Union Club (BUC). While in BUC, his team had clinched the title of Tribhuwan Challenge Shield.
He was the founder of Sunakhari Football Club that won the domestic league twice in the mid-70s and also won the King´s Cup held in Nepalgunj in 1974-75.
The government has turned a blind eye to Bista´s plight but his well-wishers have raised some funds for his treatment. Rajendra Bista of Gyanodaya Pustakalaya handed over Rs 50,000 to the footballer.
Likewise, locals of Jhamsikhel, Lalitpur collected Rs 200,000, Murari Subedi gave Rs 20,000, Indrayani Temple, Lalitpur raised Rs 10,000 and Nepali students from the US contributed US$ 120. Bista´s friends with whom he used to play tennis collected Rs 106,000.
Those who are willing to contribute to Bista´s treatment are requested to deposit funds in account number 031100000080 of the Bank of Kathmandu. Funds can be deposited from any branch of the bank around the country as well as from any foreign bank.
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