Former national athlete G.Saravanan, once celebrated for making Malaysia proud is now fighting for his life. The 56-year-old, who won gold in 50KM walk at the Commonwealth Game in Kuala Lumpur is currently battling motor neurone disease (MND), a condition that has slowly taken away his ability to walk, speak and eat.
Since 2021, Saravanan have been diagnosed with this condition and has declined significantly over the years. He relies on a feeding tube for nutrition and uses medical support, including a tracheostomy to help him breathe. Saravanan is now fully dependent on his family for daily care.
M.Sassikala, his wife and their 3 children have taken full responsibility of caring for him at their home in Bukit Mertajam. The family faces both emotional and financial challenges with only their son currently working while the others provide support at home.
Monthly care is estimated around RM2,000, with some assistance from the National Athletes Welfare Foundation (Yakeb).
Saravanan recently survived a critical moment when he stopped breathing for two minutes. He survived after receiving emergency care, but the incident shows the seriousness of his condition. A previous hospital stay also resulted in a bill of RM100,000 adding more strain to the family’s finances.
Despite his physical condition, Saravanan remains mentally alert. He communicates through simple gestures and an alphabet chart, showing the same determination that once defined his athletic career. The ones around him has described him as a fighter who continues to stay strong through this difficult time.
His current situation caught the attention of Youth and Sports Minister Dr Taufiq Johari, who has step in and offer support. Dr Taufiq expressed concern over Saravanan’s condition and the impact it has had on his family.
The minister acknowledged that while some assistance has already been provided, the rising cost of treatment and limited income continue to increase the challenge. Saravanan’s story touched many’s heart, including former teammates and friends. Former national walker B. Thirukumaran said it is heartbreaking to see his longtime friend in such state, but noted that his fighting spirit remains unchanged.
As his family continues to care for him at home, they remain hopeful and grateful for the support they have received so far. However, they also shared that further medical emergencies may require more help from the public.
