Hipolito Fernandes - A Physio for Indian players in Kuwait Throughout life and more so in sports, we are faced with injuries of every kind -- whether it is a soft tissue wound, spurting cut and scrapes, an ankle twist, severe dislocation of the knee or a ligament or muscle tear -- every injury must be dealt with in the right way. One person who is immediately at hand in any eventuality among expatriate Indian footballers in the injury zone is Goa born -- Hipolito Fernandes popularly known in Kuwait as "Dotor." HIPOLITO FRANCISCO FERNANDES "God makes me see the pain in others as my own... God has given me a talent to use it for a cause..." -Hipolito Born at Mobor - Cavellosim, Salcete - Goa, Hipolito has been a healer right from his younger days with his natural, inborn ability to understand and diagnose treatment for different kind of muscle injuries and bone fractures. He arrived in Kuwait on 16th Dec 1977 and has been working with Habchi & Chalhub Co. as Head Store-keeper since 26th Jan 1978. Hipolito proudly talks about his memories during Iraq's Invasion of Kuwait. Unlike other expatriates, he did not flee at that time, but stayed back till Kuwait was freed. He is associated with Indian football ever since 1978 after joining the mighty Goan Sporting club(now defunct) which won 3 tournaments in a row that year. Member of United Friends Club since 1993, he has held positions of Team Manager, Team Doctor and Asst. Treasurer on different occasions. Happily married to Christine, Hipolito has 3 children - Melisa, Watson and Elrida. Melisa, the eldest daughter is a renowned National basketball player and has captained Goa; recently won best player (Herald dated 17.08.2006). Hipolito thanks the Almighty for showering his grace upon him. He has prospered over the years. Back home at Mobor, Cavellossim - Goa, he runs his own HIPPOCOOL GUEST HOUSE. He leaves Kuwait for Abu Dhabi at end of August 2006 to work for his employers in a new assignment. Kuwait Indian Football Federation recognized the goodwill of this humble and ever helpful volunteer by presenting him with an award for yeomen services done towards Indian football over the years. Hipolito Fernandes projects an air of calm a level gaze and a steady baritone voice that candidly assesses his patients pain. With his formidable presence he is a former player himself and greying hair, glasses, military mustache, (usually in a track-suit on the grounds), he has a look of a true sports physio befitting his nickname, "Dotor." Hipolito has inborn qualities for diagnosing muscle sprains, muscular aches and ligament injuries through his natural and own magical therapy. He stimulates natural healing usually by massage through manipulation of soft body tissues and muscles, using his hands... ensuring players are in shape. AN INTERVIEW WITH A HEALER, A HELPER, AND AN ADVISOR TO THE YOUNG PLAYERS... What are the major injuries you have healed? Hipolito: I feel proud to say that I have helped heal even knee injuries. How do you recognize if an injury is serious? Do you immediately recommend injured players to consult a specialist or do you diagnose injuries yourself? Hipolito: I provide basic medical treatment and aid to the injured. Iam not a qualified doctor nor do I have any medical education. But I know from my experience that ascertaining how a player feels after an injury is far from an exact science. In fact, it qualifies much more as an art, which requires to develop an intuitive feel for players' physical capabilities and recovery needs. I can read if the injury is minor, or if it is going to be fatal if the player continues play. I have handled all types of player injuries including knee ligament damage and ankle fractures. Every player is distinctly unique when it comes to recovery requirements -- much depends on age too; some recover quickly from even the most intense physical demands, while others need substantial rest to be ready to go at 100% capacity back again. Most are somewhere in-between this broad continuum. I advise appropriately. What are the main causes of players injuries? Hipolito: Injuries arise from long-term player fatigue and lack of practice. Fatigue is hard to recognize by even the most discerning of eyes. One thing I have observed in Kuwait among our players is that they aggravate injuries when they don't want to be taken out of a game (this goes for practices as well). Regardless of circumstances, be it rough tackles or match infringements, dedicated players want to be on the field and in the action at all times. Who are prone to serious injuries -- the aggressive players or the timid ones? Hipolito: Anyone can get injured during play. Sometimes the ground conditions too are major causes of injuries. A hard surface can cause knee injuries and ankle twists; an awkward fall can cause shoulder dislocation or arm fractures. It's no secret that some players tend to think of themselves as indestructible. While this penchant can help engender confidence on the field, it can also give players the false sense that they don't need to address minor injuries with proper treatment. Not paying attention to any type of physical discomfort is a mistake, one that can lead to some unnecessary wear and tear, and allow a full blown injury to materialize. How can a player avoid injuries? Hipolito: The importance of warming up and stretching should not be underestimated and should always be a part of any session -- practice or competition. What have you liked about Indian football and players in Kuwait? What about the standard of football then and now? Hipolito: United Goans and G.O.A Maroons were top-most teams at the beginning when expatriate football started in Kuwait. Players at that time were eager to be on the ground -- sometimes playing two games in a day and travelling as far as Ahmadi (45kms) by bus, all by themselves. Nowadays, players are given all facilities by their clubs and the standard of the game has increased too but the commitment to win is not seen much. Just casualness. Earlier teams like Incredible (Goa), Rising Stars (Mangalore), Ahmadi Boys, Diocese, etc, were fearsome and unbeatable. By and large, I have noted that spectators appreciate and respect disciplined teams and players. Sometimes the best of teams become notorious because of one rowdy player in the team. Team management should do their best to isolate or exile such players. What is your advice to young sportsmen? Hipolito: To maintain absolute discipline on and off the field, to keep practicing...and to build friendship through the game. _______________________________________________ Goanet mailing list [email protected] http://lists.goanet.org/listinfo.cgi/goanet-goanet.org
