This year's edition of the Asian Games is set to take place in Hangzhou, China from September 23 to October 8 with some of the most renowned athletes competing with one another.
Many Indian athletes are set to participate in the tournament too, with the aspirants hoping to replicate the heroics of those who have won medals before them at this prestigious event.
However, Indian quartermiler Priya Mohan's Asian Games dream were shattered as she was diagnosed with collapsed lungs.
YES!! 🏅#TeamIIS athlete Priya Mohan strikes GOLD in the Women’s 400m and seals qualification for the Asian Championships. 🤩#Running #AsianChampionships #CraftingVictories 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/Z7qbr0GM2e
— Inspire Institute of Sport (@IIS_Vijayanagar) May 16, 2023
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Priya Mohan’s Asian Games dreams shattered
On June 8, Mohan was practising as usual at the JSW facilities in Bellary when she suddenly felt pain in her shoulder and chest. What was initially thought to be a case of simple muscle stiffness, turned out to be something more serious as the athlete was diagnosed with Pneumothorax (collapsed lungs).
Speaking to India Today, the athlete who was looking forward to participating at the Asian Games, spoke on how she couldn't bear the news of her illness from the doctors and broke down, however, she will come back stronger from it.
"When the doctors told me about the condition and that I have to be away from sports for a while, I couldn’t bear it. I cried a lot but then I had to just accept it. We, athletes, start preparing for an event the moment the schedule comes out. I was in really good shape and would have finished on the podium at the Inter-State meet. It is a new experience for me but this will only make me come out stronger," said Mohan.
While she cannot participate, Mohan said she would still go to see her colleagues and cheer on for them.
"I cannot take part in sports for now but I will go to the ground and cheer for the other youngsters here at the IIS facilities. My heart and soul lie in sports and I just can’t stay away from the ground."