Mumbai doctor behind Serbia’s Olympic glory

Dr Shreepad Khedekar (left) with Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic

There is a Mumbai hand in Serbia's success at the Tokyo Olympics. Dr Shreepad Khedekar, 43, a homeopath and Dadar resident, who has helped tennis legend and World No.1 Novak Djokovic beat asthma, has also played a key role in keeping Serbia's athletes fit at the Games.

The Olympic Committee of Serbia's (OCS) Secretary General Djordje Visacki approached Dr Khedekar last May to be with Tokyo-bound Serbian athletes. In July 2020, Dr Khedekar was instrumental in helping some of Serbia's basketball team members successfully battle Covid-19.

Timely treatment

"Despite taking all the precautions, some of Serbian basketball players tested positive for Covid-19. Thankfully, timely treatment combined with their strong immunity and a positive mindset helped them recover quickly. I am so glad that the Serbian 3x3 men's basketball team [comprising Dusan Bulut, Aleksandar Ratkov, Dejan Majstorovic and Mihailo Vasic whom Dr Khedekar treated] won the bronze medal. Dusan even sent me a thank you message after the achievement. It's a very satisfying feeling. I've had to stay back in Serbia because of the current global pandemic situation," Dr Khedekar told mid-day from Belgrade recently.

Dr Khedekar, who has been working in Serbia for the last 15 years, has treated many sports personalities, and prominent among them is tennis champ Djokovic.

"Someone referred my name to Djokovic in 2009 when he was struggling with his asthma. I prescribed medication and within a year he overcame the disease and has never had any issues due to it thereafter. Djokovic is a very friendly and polite person and very passionate about his tennis," added Dr Khedekar.

‘Keen to help Indians too'

Serbia have won one gold, one silver and four bronze medals at the Tokyo Games so far. And while the Mumbai doctor takes pride in supporting them, he is very keen to help Indian sportspersons too. "I feel proud that, in a way, I'm helping Serbian players to stay fit and perform their best to win Olympic medals. But, it hurts a bit since no sporting body from my own county has ever approached me for similar assistance. I'm ready to even offer my services for free to Indian athletes," Dr Khedekar signed off.

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