Chennai, July 2024: In an effort to support athletes in the state and inspire youth to pursue sports as a primary career, Rela Hospital has announced a range of new initiatives today. These initiatives include a partnership with the Abhinav Bindra Foundation to provide free implants for sports injuries and a collaboration with the Spine & Orthopedics Action and Research Trust (SOAR) to fund treatment for orthopedic, spine, and sports injuries.
Supported by the Abhinav Bindra Foundation, the hospital will offer implants for sports surgeries and perform procedures free of cost. The SOAR Trust will cover the cost of surgeries and treatments at Rela Hospital. These services will greatly benefit young athletes and students in sports. When there is a need, they can avail these services free of cost by presenting a certificate from their educational institution, whether it is a school or college or their sports academy.
On the eve of the launch of new initiatives, Rela Hospital organised “Celebrating Tamil Nadu’s Olympians”, an event featuring a distinguished lineup of legendary sportspersons, including Padma Shri Vasudevan Baskaran, Mr. Mohammed Riaz, Mr. Adam Sinclair, the last Tamil Nadu representatives in the men’s Olympic hockey team alongside Ms. Shiny Wilson (800 mts National Champion) and Ms. Aarathy Kasturi (Indian Skating Track Athlete). These esteemed athletes extended their best wishes to the Tamil Nadu contingent heading to the Paris Olympics 2024. A highlight of the event was the first-time public display of the last Indian Gold Medal in Men’s Hockey from the 1980 Moscow Olympics. The sports icons also engaged with over 100 top athletes from schools across Tamil Nadu, sharing their insights and encouragement.
In his comments, Prof. Mohamed Rela, Chairman, Rela Hospital, said, “We are honored to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our Tamil Nadu athletes. We hope that the encouraging words from those who have experienced the journey will inspire the athletes from the state who are part of the Indian contingent for the Paris Olympics 2024. I am happy that the Tamil Nadu’s Olympians event gave our young athletes a unique opportunity to interact with the sports legends and elite athletes, encouraging them to pursue athletics as a professional priority. Through our strategic partnerships with the Abhinav Bindra Foundation and Spine & Orthopedics Action and Research Trust (SOAR), we are dedicated to ensuring that all athletes, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds, receive the highest quality of care. We are committed to provide every athlete access to top-class treatment at our state-of-the-art sports medical facility, enabling them to soar to new heights on the global stage. Together, we can help them turn their aspirations into reality and bring glory to our nation.”
In his comments, Dr Prakash Ayyadurai, Head, Department of Arthroscopy & Sports Medicine, Rela Hospital, said, “Sports injuries are common, but they are also becoming increasingly complex, requiring specialised infrastructure, medicine, and expertise. The nature of these injuries demands advanced diagnostic tools, personalised treatment plans, and highly skilled medical professionals to ensure optimal recovery. However, these specialised treatments can be expensive and often out of reach for many athletes, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds. Recognising this challenge, our hospital is committed to providing accessible and affordable healthcare solutions, and thus alleviating the fears associated with sports injuries, especially for those from underprivileged backgrounds. By providing accessible and comprehensive care, we hope to break down barriers and foster a renewed interest in sports. We want to ensure that every aspiring athlete has the confidence to pursue their passion without the fear of injury-related setbacks.”