Ravi Dixit Retracts 'Kidney Offer', Leaves Indian Squash Red-Faced
Ravi Dixit's purported statement that "he was prepared to sell his kidney" created a massive buzz in the media. But soon after, the player in question wrote a clarification letter to the Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI) denying any wrongdoing.
An Indian squash player's offer "to auction his kidney" has not only left him embarrassed but also left a sour taste for sports fans in the country. (Read more sports stories here)
Ravi Dixit's purported statement that "he was prepared to sell his kidney" created a massive buzz in the media. But soon after, the player in question wrote a clarification letter to the Squash Rackets Federation of India denying any wrongdoing.
On the contrary, Dixit said on Tuesday that he was satisfied with the way his career has panned out, though, he would have been happier had he been doing well and played in more international tournaments.
Dixit, a former junior Asian champion, had used social networking site - Facebook - to offer his organ for an asking price of Rs 8 lakh due to a lack of sponsors.
However, the 23-year-old clarified he never intended to sell his kidney and "his spur of the moment" comment had been blown out of proportion.
"I did not realize there is so much to be read into this until I received a call from a reporter," said Dixit, who is part of the Indian squad for the South Asian Games being held next month in Guwahati and Shillong.
Dixit quickly removed the post from social media but vehemently denied that he had reached such moments of hopelessness to "sell his kidney".
In his letter to the president of the SRFI, Dixit sought to clarify his stand.
"The statement made on social media should not have been done. I am sorry to my family members and all the governing bodies who have supported me namely - the government of India (the Ministry of Youth affairs and sports; Tamil Nadu government and Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu; SRFI; Indian Squash Academy and Dhampur Sugar Mills."
Dixit has also made it clear that his future was with squash and he was keen to carry on playing the sport.
"Squash is my life and I wish to continue playing it," he added in his letter.
Meanwhile, SRFI chief, Debendranath Sarangi clarified that Dixit was with the Indian Squash Academy for nine years and had been staying and training there.
"The ISA and SRFI provide him financial assistance for participation in national/international tournaments, in addition to the funding from ministry of sports and Dhampur Sugar Mills. He has also gone abroad for training," stated Sarangi.