![[UPDATED]: Sivasangari recovering well, out for three months: Faizal](https://media.thevibes.com/images/uploads/covers/_large/27062022-KUL-Datuk_Seri_Ahmad_Faizal_Azumu-SYEDAIMRAN3.JPG)
PUTRAJAYA – Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu confirmed that S. Sivasangari will not be representing Malaysia in the Birmingham Commonwealth Games due to her serious injuries following a car accident yesterday morning.
“She said ‘yes’ and ‘okay’ when I told her to stay strong and recover soon.
“That’s a good sign that she’s stable as the doctor said,” Faizal said when met after paying her a visit at Putrajaya Hospital today.
Faizal added that his ministry and the National Sports Institute will provide the best support, such as physiotherapy, for Sivasangari’s full recovery.
“Let’s not talk about the accident, but instead focus our energy on her recovery and support her as much as we can,” Faizal added.
World number 19 was reported to be involved in a major car accident yesterday at the Maju Expressway (MEX).
She was a passenger in a car that rear-ended a lorry.
Also accompanying the minister during the visit were Sivasangari’s family members, including her father Subramaniam Kaniappan, deputy chef de mission Monteiro Gerard, and Olympic Council of Malaysia secretary-general Datuk Mohd Nazifuddin Najib.
Faizal added that Kedahan was staying with her friends when the accident occurred because her parents were going through quarantine for Covid-19.
As the Commonwealth games dates draw closer, he also advised other athletes to be wary of their whereabouts to avoid any untoward incidents.
At the same time, Faizal praised the Putrajaya Hospital staff for their professionalism and efficiency.
“I am impressed with the efficiency of the hospital staff in identifying what (medical procedure) needs to be done.
“This is a crucial time to monitor Sivasangari’s recovery and how she is reacting to the surgery.”
Meanwhile, Putrajaya Hospital deputy director Dr Khairol Anwar confirmed that Sivasangari suffered face lacerations wounds and C1 spine injuries.
“We have a team of multidisciplinary specialists attending to her at the moment.
“The first 24-48 hours is very crucial to decide if she needs additional surgeries. We will monitor her condition.
“Excluding rehabilitation, it will take about three months for her to recover.
“She is stable under our observation,” Dr Khairol said. – The Vibes, June 27, 2022
