Former Maccabi Tel Aviv Star Recounts Leg Amputation, Fundraiser
Translated & summarized from Walla by baba
Former Maccabi Tel Aviv basketball player Alexander Polukharov has spoken out after his leg was amputated due to cancer. He is drawing inspiration from others and is the subject of a fundraising effort for a prosthesis, with support coming from former teammates like Sasha Oborov in Israel.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Former Maccabi Tel Aviv player Alexander Polukharov had his leg amputated due to cancer.
- He is drawing inspiration from Roman Kostomarov's recovery.
- Polukharov is undergoing rehabilitation at home.
- A fundraiser is underway for his prosthetic leg.
- Former teammate Sasha Oborov sent him money from Israel.
Alexander Polukharov, a legendary foreign player for Maccabi Tel Aviv, has spoken publicly for the first time since undergoing a leg amputation less than a month ago. He described his challenging situation and the outpouring of support from friends, including fellow former player Alexander "Sasha" Oborov, who sent him money from Israel.
Polukharov drew inspiration from Roman Kostomarov, a figure skater who overcame immense hardship after amputation. "He's a true role model. You look at him and don't want to complain or despair. So I tell myself: I have to hold on. I have to endure this. Amputation is not a death sentence. We will live!" Polukharov stated.
He explained that knee pain had plagued him for years, and he had previously declined a knee replacement surgery. In December 2025, he injured his ankle, which aggravated his knee. By February, he noticed swelling and a lump, diagnosed as a Baker's cyst. During its removal, a malignant tumor was discovered. After extensive tests, he was diagnosed with musculoskeletal oncology and informed that amputation was the only option. The surgery took place on August 10.
Polukharov's leg was amputated slightly above the knee, with a third of his thigh also removed. He is currently recovering at home, with his wife tending to his wound and administering medication. He uses a walker to move around his apartment and a wheelchair for doctor's appointments. He expects to be fitted for a prosthesis in about four months, once the stump has healed.
A fundraising effort has been launched to help cover the costs of the prosthesis, which Polukharov identifies as the most crucial item. Donations have been received from various individuals, with Sasha Oborov from Israel and Sasha Golovnia from America among the contributors. Polukharov expressed immense gratitude to all donors.
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