"There are cameras everywhere now. There should be an inquiry," the distance runner said.
After reports emerged about OP Jaisha collapsing by the end of her marathon at the Rio Olympics due to no Indian official present to give her water, Athletics Federation of India (AFI) released a statement saying that the athlete and her coach had refused to avail energy drinks being presented by organisers. Jaisha reacted strongly to this, saying that cameras can be checked for an inquiry.
"How would the representatives of Athletics Federation Of India know the truth if they were not even there?" asked Jaisha. "There are cameras everywhere now, they should check the cameras and they will get the answer. Why would I say such a huge lie when I have never complained even once in my entire sports career?"
"I might not be able to fight against the government or AFI and win, but God and I know the truth and I owe that to sports," she said, adding, "I am sure that had something grave happened to me, AFI would have still said that OP Jaisha didn't avail refreshment. There needs to be an inquiry."
Jaisha had said that not a single Indian official was present at refreshment points to provide the national record holder with one of the most basic things - water. Athletes from other countries had a constant supply of not only water but also glucose biscuit, honey, etc. The athlete from Kerala said that even she did not know how she managed to finish the marathon without any liquid intake to keep her going. She finished the race with a time of 2:47:09.
Even though the organisers provided water and sponges after every 8 km, Jaisha said that it hardly lasted her 500 m, making the run very difficult after 30 km, especially under the strong sun. After she collapsed at the end of her marathon, the distance runner was injected with seven bottles of glucose to give her energy enough to regain consciousness. She was unconscious was three hours after collapsing.
As per the IAAF rules, it is the duty of the federation and the coach to assign their own officials at refreshment points, other than the ones handled by the organisers. If an athlete uses refreshments from the table of another country, he/she could get disqualified.
With ANI inputs.
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