SEA Games inspire doc to pursue sports medicine

KUALA LUMPUR: Dr Dhaarmin Kumar Savandarajan (pic) loves sports so much that not only did he jump at the chance to serve at the KL SEA Games and the Asean Para Games, he hopes to specialise in sport medicine some day.

“I have loved sports since I was young but I was in the heavyweight category,” he smiled.

“However, since I became a doctor, I have managed to shed 35kg,” said Dr Dhaarmin while on duty at the Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre on Wednesday.

“I want to specialise in sports science after learning about dieting and how the body energy systems work. And being among the athletes has been a great eye-opener for me as I get to see what they go through during competition,” he said.

The 30-year-old, who is in the midst of applying for sports medicine specialisation, said it was great to see the athletes in action.

“They are very down-to-earth and friendly. I also managed to meet new stars like (bowler) Muhammad Rafiq Ismail,” he said.

He recalled treating Singapore bowler Timothy Tham Fu Rong, who was suffering from a nosebleed, at the Sunway Mega Lanes during the SEA Games.

Dr Dhaarmin and his team treated him before the bowler went on to win the team of five the gold medal.

“I was doing my job there as a doctor, and I’m just glad to have helped Timothy. He thanked me after his event and gave me a lapel pin that I will cherish forever,” said Dr Dhaarmin, who works at the Batu 14 Puchong government clinic.

Currently in charge of the medical team at the powerlifting event at the Para Games, Dr Dhaarmin said he was inspired by the passion shown by the national athletes.

“I personally think the para athletes are great role models. They are living proof of mind over matter,” he said.