Bista took the decision after consulting Dr Chanin Lamsam at Thonburi Hospital in Bangkok, where he underwent his left knee surgery in May. Bista sustained injuries to his left knee during the 11th South Asian Games in Dhaka in February where he won a record four gold medals. [break]
"I talked to Dr Lamsam today (Saturday) and he advised me not to play for another six months," said Bista. "I´m sad to announce that I´m pulling out of the 16th Asian Games." The 16th Asian Games is scheduled for November 12-23 in Guangzhou, China.
Bista has won bronze medals in the 14th and 15th editions of Asian Games. "I apologise to all fans and supporters as I´m unable to bring home the third Asian medal," said Bista.
"I can´t play taekwondo with leg injuries and I don´t want to betray my country," added the taekwondo ace.
However, Bista vowed to continue his playing career after he recovers. "I´m afraid of continuing my playing career as both my knees have been operated upon but I will definitely return to the arena one day and try my best to make my country proud," said Bista. Bista had undergone surgery on his right knee after picking up an injury during the 9th SAG in Islamabad in 2003.
Bista is the most successful athlete of the country in the sector of individual games and has won four gold medals from SAG and two bronze medals from Asian Games. Moreover, he is the second Nepali player to reach Olympics through qualification. Fellow taekwondo player Sangina Baidhya was the first Nepali athlete to participate in the Olympics through qualification.
Bista was in the preliminary list of taekwondo players selected for the Asian Games. The final selection of taekwondo is yet to be made.
Bista has informed about his inability to participate in the asian games to the president of Nepal Taekwondo Association.
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