Health much better now, looking forward to return from US: Ashok Diwan

California, May 6 (IANS) Hockey Olympian and member of the 1975 World Cup winning team, Ashok Diwan, who was battling health issues while being stranded in the US, has said that his health is much better now and will be returning home soon.

Last month, Diwan had sought help to return from the US, where he is stuck because of the travel restrictions in place owing to the global COVID-19 pandemic.

He had approached Indian Olympic Association President Narinder Batra, requesting him to take his plea to the higher authorities. Following this, the Sports Ministry had said the Indian Embassy in San Francisco had been contacted and that they are sending a doctor to attend to Diwan.

On Wednesday, the 65-year-old informed the IOA: “…with your and God’s blessings, my health is getting better. I have done my registration with the Indian Embassy for coming back home, waiting to hear some positive news from their side now.”

He also thanked Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju and the Indian ambassador to the US — Taranjit Singh Sandhu — for their help.

“Hopefully, they will inform me soon. Many many thanks for all your help. I would also extend my gratitude to Ho’nble Sports Minister and External Minister, Sandhu ji (Indian Ambassador), Rajesh N. Naik sir (DCG, SFO), and Indian media for all the support,” he added.

From Thursday, India will commence one of the world’s largest air rescue operations when Air India and its subsidiary Air India Express will start the first phase of the mission.

They will operate 64-flights in 7 days to bring back 14,800 stranded Indians from 12 countries.

–IANS

aak/bbh