PUBLISHED ONApril 01, 2014 11:30 PM
In his youth, former security officer Chandra Mohan fought and prevailed in the boxing ring and on the hockey field.
Now 62, he is fighting different opponents: Poor health and limited mobility.
Diabetic since 2003, he needs regular insulin injections. A wound infection on his left leg also means he has to rely on neighbours to buy groceries.
Estranged from his four sisters, the Manchester United fan distracts himself by reading papers or watching television in his one-room rental flat when the pain hits.
"I'm alone, so I've got to fight," Mr Mohan said. "If the (United) footballers can defeat their opponents, so can I."
His health woes include hypertension and hypotension, blocked arteries, high fat count, hypothyroidism, deep vein thrombosis, cataract and a brain tumour, which is benign for now.
"When I stand, I need to wait two or three minutes to catch my breath first. I cannot get up straight away and walk," he said.
On home nursing and rehabilitation since August 2011, Mr Mohan is able to gain some freedom after Touch Community Services subsidised a motorised wheelchair last October.
MARKET VISIT
Now when he goes to the market, he parks by the vegetable seller and goes around buying fresh produce. With a hint of pride, Mr Mohan added: "I've even been to Marina Bay Sands on my own using public transport."
He gets by on $300 financial assistance monthly and a $400 stipend from a family friend.
Grateful for the aid he receives, Mr Mohan is looking forward to the upcoming World Cup. He is "counting on Germany" to prevail.
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