Punish if guilty, say athletes

Top Indian athletes urged the concerned people to get the ‘Where Abouts’ format into (National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) circle to curb the drug menace in Indian athletics.

Reacting to shot putter P Udaya Laxmi being ousted after she failed drug test on the eve of the Asian Athletics Championship, they were of the opinion that educating the athletes and bringing them in the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) list will also help in controlling the issue.

“It is sad to hear such bad news any time and more so on the eve of a mega event like the Asian championship,” said Krishna Poonia, the top discus thrower of the country. “But I would say whoever it is, if found guilty, should be punished.”

“There should be a way out. I feel if all the athletes are in the WADA list, it would make a big difference because the WADA approach in controlling or having a check on top athletes is very good and it gives little scope for athletes to take any short cuts,”said krishna.

Poonia was also of the opinion that if the`Whereabouts format’ adopted by the ADA  keeps a slose check on the athletes and it would help in making any sport a clean one,”said Poonia.

Asked if the ouster will affect athletes taking part in the championship, Krishna said that “it is felt to the each individual, and as far as I am concerned, my mind is clear,”said Krishna.
Indian discus thrower Vikas Gowda said, “It is indeed very shocking and sad to hear of such news.”

“Unfortunately, I have heard about the Indian in doping scandal. But whoever it is, the athlete should be pulled up for the wrong doing,” said Gowda who takes to the circle (shot put) for his event on Thursday.