Ex-WWE wrestler Great Khali injured during sporting event

‘The Great Khali’ was injured in a sporting event at Haldwani, Uttarakhand on Wednesday.

International wrestler Dalip Singh Rana, popularly known as ‘The Great Khali’, was admitted to Max Hospital in Dehradun on Thursday afternoon after he sustained injuries in a competition held at Haldwani the previous night.

Former WWE wrestler ‘The Great Khali’ was injured during a sporting event. (Rohit Umrao/HT Photo)

Watch | ‘The Great Khali’ injured during wrestling event, hospitalised

The 44-year-old Indian-origin wrestler, who gained worldwide acclaim from the WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) arena, was airlifted to Dehradun on the advice of Haldwani doctors. Dr AK Singh, who is treating Khali, said his “condition was stable and all his vital organs were working properly”.

‘The Great Khali’ in action during a sporting event where he was injured. (Rohit UmraoHT Photo)

However, Dr Ajay Pal of Brijlal Hospital in Haldwani told HT that Khali was suffering from edema (swelling of the brain) – something that “could become serious in the absence of proper treatment”.

Khali sustained injuries on the forehead during the Haldwani bout, held as part of ‘The Great Khali Returns’ show at Gaulapar International Cricket stadium on Wednesday night. According to sources, it occurred when three of Khali’s fellow-contestants – Brody, Mike Knox and Apollo Leon – attacked him with chairs.

‘The Great Khali’ in action during a sporting event where he was injured. (Rohit Umrao/HT Photo)

Born in a Punjabi Rajput family in Dhiraina, Himachal Pradesh, Khali was an officer with the Punjab state police before he became a professional wrestler. He won his first WWE heavyweight championship in July 2007.